(Spoken Word Intro) Sometimes I talk to you in my head... you know? Just me and you. I see so much of you in them, and it makes me wonder... what if? (Verse 1) I look at my two sons and see a part of you... A little piece of your spirit that’s honest and brand new. They’re full of life and laughter, and have your patient eyes, But it breaks my heart you’re not here... to be their guide. They ask about their grandpa, and I don't know what to say, Except you’re living in our hearts and will be there every day... (Verse 2) I show them old photographs... from a different, calmer time, Before the weight of living was a mountain I had to climb. They ask a million questions, and I answer them with pride, But there’s a place inside my heart that I can't keep locked inside. I see their future shining, and I wish you were a part, To see these two young men you helped to give a start... (Chorus) Dear Dad, it's hard to be a father without my own, And watch my boys grow up on a path that’s so unknown. I hope they know your memory and what you stand for, 'Cause I'm trying to teach them every lesson you had stored. I pray they'll know your spirit, your love, and gentle way... (gentle way) And feel your presence with us on every single day... (every day) (Verse 3) The hardness of this life... is not a simple game, It hits me in the quiet moments, like a burning, heavy flame. I’m just trying to be a man, a hero for my boys, But sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the noise. I know they're looking up to me, for every choice I make, And I'm trying to be strong for their own special sake... (Verse 4) I sit here talking... just you and I alone, Telling you the moments that I wish you could have known. Like when my oldest took his first steps and how his brother laughed, I'm trying hard to teach them all the kindness that you had. They’re starting to get bigger, their personalities shine through, And I'm so proud to tell them they’ve got a piece of you... (Chorus) Dear Dad, it's hard to be a father without my own, And watch my boys grow up on a path that’s so unknown. I hope they know your memory and what you stand for, 'Cause I'm trying to teach them every lesson you had stored. I pray they'll know your spirit, your love, and gentle way... (gentle way) And feel your presence with us on every single day... (every day) (Verse 5) The pressure of this world... can weigh down on my soul, And I get scared... that I'll lose myself and lose my self-control. I'm doing my best to raise them right, to be strong and to be kind, To be the kind of man that they can look up to and find. But some days I just wonder if I'm doing things all wrong, And I just need your spirit to tell me to be strong... (Verse 6) I'll keep walking forward... with my head held high and proud, I’ll keep your story going, I'll say your name out loud. I know you're always with us, a quiet guiding hand, I’ll make sure that your grandsons will always understand. That even though you're not here, you're a hero in our eyes, And your love for us is a bond that never dies... (never dies) (Chorus) Dear Dad, it's hard to be a father without my own, And watch my boys grow up on a path that’s so unknown. I hope they know your memory and what you stand for, 'Cause I'm trying to teach them every lesson you had stored. I pray they'll know your spirit, your love, and gentle way... (gentle way) And feel your presence with us on every single day... (every day)
