[Verse 1]
You came cryin’ into this worn-out world
Like a sunrise after a storm
And I stood there scared to death
In scrubs and boots and blood still warm
I ain’t no saint, I ain’t no sage
But God, I swear I felt His grace
When your tiny hand grabbed onto mine
Like I was somethin’ worth the wait
[Chorus]
I don’t know how to raise a boy
Without passin’ on my ghosts
But I’ll give you all this battered heart
Even the parts I need the most
You deserve more than broken men
And late-night apologies
And all I want, my little one
Is for you to be better than me
[Verse 2]
I’ve walked down roads I won’t describe
Drunk on pride and cheap regret
But your cry cut through that haunted night
And made me wanna forget
I’ll teach you how to hold your ground
How to love with both your hands
And if the world should try to break you
You come runnin’ back to Dad
[Chorus]
I don’t know how to raise a king
When I still bow to lesser things
But I’ll stay right here and fight my past
To give you what my name can’t bring
You deserve a cleaner flame
Than what’s been burnin’ inside me
And all I want, my only son
Is for you to be better than me
[Bridge – quiet, picking slows]
And I know I’ll stumble, I’ll fall short
Say the wrong things when I’m torn
But if love is measured in the scars we show
Then I’ve never loved someone more
[Final Chorus – big, shaky voice, fiddle kicks in softly]
I don’t know how to raise a light
But, God, you shine so wild and free
And I’ll walk behind, not out of sight
Just close enough in case you need
You deserve a sky that never falls
And a heart that never flees
And all I want, my precious boy
Is for you to be better than me
[Outro – nearly whispered, guitar fades]
You saved me…
Without knowin’ my name.
Nadework