The Man Who Stepped Up

[Verse 1]
You weren’t there the day I was born
But you showed up when the storms rolled in
Tool belt hanging from that old Dodge door
Said, “Kid, mind if I come in?”
You taught me how to drive that busted Ford
How to hold my tongue, how to stand my ground
Never called yourself my old man
But that’s what I call you now
[Chorus]
I’m missin’ the man who stepped up
The one who chose me, not the one who left
You filled the cracks in our crooked little house
With your rough hands and your quiet care
You didn’t give me your last name
But you gave me all you had
Now January cuts like a rusted blade
Took my father, not my stepdad
[Verse 2]
Birthday cake was barely gone
Still laughin’ at the candles and the wax on the floor
Two days later, that phone rang
And I slid right down the kitchen door
Sixteen’s circled on the calendar
But the date I feel’s the one in black
January sixteenth, it stole your breath
And it never gave you back
[Chorus]
I’m missin’ the man who stepped up
The one who chose me, not the one who left
You filled the cracks in our crooked little house
With your rough hands and your quiet care
You didn’t give me your last name
But you gave me all you had
Now January cuts like a rusted blade
Took my father, not my stepdad
[Bridge]
Some folks say “blood’s blood”
But they never watched you stay when times got bad
You were there in every scar I earned
Every win I had, every tear I hid (yeah)
So when they ask me what you were
I just smile through the hurt I feel
Say, “He was the man who showed me how to love”
And that’s what makes a father real
[Chorus]
I’m missin’ the man who stepped up
The one who chose me, not the one who left
You filled the cracks in our crooked little house
With your rough hands and your quiet care
You didn’t give me your last name
But you gave me all you had
Now January sixteen’s on my heart like ink
Took my father, not my stepdad

country, Soft country blues ballad with male vocals; brushed kit, upright bass, and a warm fingerpicked acoustic guitar up front. Subtle slide guitar lines answering the vocal. Verses stay intimate and near-whispered; chorus opens slightly with gentle harmonies and organ pad swelling under the hook. Final chorus drops to almost a hush, then ends on a lingering acoustic chord., country blues, soft