(Verse 1)
The monitors are humming, the room is getting still
I’m looking out the window atop the windowsill
Jo, I’m looking at you, my steady, saving grace
The only light I ever needed was the light upon your face
I know I didn’t deserve the way you stood by me
I know you deserved a better version of the man I used to be
But of all the choices made, through the years and through this life
The best thing I ever did was pick a life with you as my wife
(Chorus)
So forgive this old Papa for the armor that he wore
I wish I’d changed a little more, I wish I’d let go of the alcohol sooner and stop taking score
I’m sorry for the shortcomings, the ways I let you all down
For the times I wasn't the best man to have around
But I love you whole whole bunches, more than words can ever show or say
I’m proud you’re mine, even as I’m fading away.
(Verse 2)
To my sons, I’m looking at the men that you’ve become
I know I wasn’t always the best example for you my sons
I let my past shape me, let it harden up my heart
And I hate to see you following the tracks I had to start
Please learn from my mistakes, sons, don’t walk where I have stood
Build a life that’s better, build a life that’s truly good
I’m so proud of the family that we went and made
Even if my own reflection often left me feeling frayed.
(Bridge)
And to my granddaughters, please forgive your old Papa
For the ways I might have hurt you, for the things I never saw
I wish I hadn’t let the past, alcohol, and the service mold me quite so deep
I have made promises to you I wish I’d had the time to keep
But you make me so damn proud, every single one of you
I’m a lucky man to claim you, and I know that to be true.
(Chorus)
So forgive this old Papa for the armor that he wore
I wish I’d changed a little more, I wish I’d let go of the alcohol sooner and stop taking score
I’m sorry for the shortcomings, the ways I let you all down
For the times I wasn't the best man to have around
But I love you whole whole bunches, more than words can ever show or say
I’m proud you’re mine, even as I’m fading away.
(Outro)
It's hard to find the words when the time is drawing near
But I'm carrying your love and I'm letting go of fear.
Like my youngest granddaughter said, with a smile and with pride,
I’ll be waiting for you all upon the other side.
So I’ll leave you with a smile, and a heart that’s feeling full...
I love you all so much, more than I can ever show or tell.
Yeah, I love you all a whole whole bunches, more than I can ever show or tell.
