(Original rock ballad — 3 Doors Down vibe, husky male vocals)
Verse 1
Son, I see you growing fast,
Stronger than the man I used to be.
And I’ve been fighting through the years,
But time’s been catching up on me.
My hands ain’t steady like before,
My breath gets short, my bones get sore.
But I still rise, I still hold on,
To teach you how to carry on.
Pre‑Chorus
One day these footsteps fade,
And you’ll walk yours alone.
But hear me now, my son —
You’re built to stand like stone.
Chorus
When I’m gone, be the fire in the cold,
Build your dreams even when the nights get old.
Hold your ground when the world feels wrong,
You’re my legacy — you’re built to stand strong.
And if the weight feels too heavy to bear,
Remember my voice, I’ll still be there.
Son, you’re the man you’re meant to become —
Stand when I’m gone.
Verse 2
I’ve carried storms you never saw,
Smiled through days I almost broke.
Worked these hands down to the bone,
Just to keep your dreams afloat.
And someday you’ll feel that same pain,
Life hits hard, like pouring rain.
But don’t you run, don’t you hide —
Face the world with steady pride.
Pre‑Chorus
I won’t be here forever,
But my love won’t disappear.
Every lesson that I gave you
Will echo loud and clear.
Chorus
When I’m gone, be the fire in the cold,
Build your dreams even when the nights get old.
Hold your ground when the world feels wrong,
You’re my legacy — you’re built to stand strong.
And if the weight feels too heavy to bear,
Remember my voice, I’ll still be there.
Son, you’re the man you’re meant to become —
Stand when I’m gone.
Bridge (husky, emotional, rock build‑up)
If your knees start shaking,
If your hope starts breaking,
Look inside — you’ll find my strength in you.
And when the night gets darker,
Be louder, be harder —
Show the world what a father’s love can do.
Final Chorus (bigger, more emotional)
When I’m gone, be the fire in the cold,
Build your dreams even when the nights get old.
Hold your ground when the world feels wrong,
You’re my legacy — you’re built to stand strong.
And if the weight feels too heavy to bear,
Remember my voice, I’ll still be there.
Son, you’re the man you’re meant to become —
Stand when I’m gone.
Outro
I may be fading slow,
But you’re the future I leave behind.
Go chase the life you’re meant to know —
And stand tall, son…
Even when I’m no longer by your side.
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