[Verse 1]
The lights were bright, the stage felt wide
Gown heavy on my shoulders
I saw my name, I heard it called
And I finally felt older
I thought about my mother
Every sacrifice she made
I thought about my father
Gone before he saw this day
I stood there shaking, breathing deep
Trying not to fall apart
Because this wasn’t just a degree
This was the end of the start
[Pre-Chorus]
Generations stood behind me
Every prayer I ever knew
[Chorus]
I was crying for my parents
And the chances they never got
For every door they knocked on
That history kept locked
But when I saw you and Gabriel
Standing there, waiting on me
I knew the fight was finally over
And love had set me free
[Verse 2]
I work a job I never dreamed of
In rooms I once feared
A name that carries weight now
Because you stood right here
I didn’t climb this mountain alone
I didn’t earn this by myself
Every step I took was borrowed strength
From loving someone else
[Pre-Chorus]
Faith carried me when I was empty
You carried me when faith ran thin
[Chorus]
I was crying for my future
For the life we get to choose
For a son who’ll never know
What it means to feel refused
I don’t want you bowing your head down
I want you standing tall
You’ll never carry my self-doubt
Because I already broke that wall
[Bridge]
I believe in Christ who strengthens me
When I couldn’t stand upright
I believe in the woman beside me
Who saved my life
I wouldn’t be who I am today
Without the love you gave
I wouldn’t be standing on this stage
Without the price you paid
[Break – instrumental pause]
[Final Chorus]
So Gabriel, lift your eyes up
This world is yours to try
You’ll never have to prove your worth
The way I had to survive
We’re home now, wherever God leads us
Together, side by side
I didn’t just come back with a degree
I came back with my life
[Outro]
The fight is done, the doors are closed
The past can finally rest
Daddy’s home…
And that’s the promise I’ll protect
JLWatkins
