[Verse 1]
I still see the room when the first cry came
Your tiny hand wrapped around my thumb
I was scared of the weight of your little name
Then my whole heart knew what I’d become
[Pre-Chorus]
I kept those hospital bracelets in a drawer
Two faded bands I couldn’t throw away
Every year I understand a little more
How one small moment can remake a man
[Chorus]
I’m a proud dad, that’s the name I wear
Two bright lives and a thousand answered prayers
Fifty-three years moved quicker than I knew
But every road still leads me back to you
And when I miss the one who raised me right
I hear Grandmother in the things you do
Love keeps finding new hands to hold tonight
I’m still her child, and I’m still proud of you
[Verse 2]
She would save the corner piece of every cake
Fold a clean white towel beside the sink
Had a way of knowing what my heart could take
Before I found the courage just to speak
[Pre-Chorus]
Now I catch her kindness in your careful ways
In the way you check if everyone got home
Time can turn the calendar to yesterday
But it cannot take the roots from where I’m grown
[Chorus]
I’m a proud dad, that’s the name I wear
Two bright lives and a thousand answered prayers
Fifty-three years moved quicker than I knew
But every road still leads me back to you
And when I miss the one who raised me right
I hear Grandmother in the things you do
Love keeps finding new hands to hold tonight
I’m still her child, and I’m still proud of you
[Bridge]
If I could gather every season in one room
I’d set her chair beside the birthday cake
Let the younger me sit down and tell the truth
Some goodbyes are only love learning space
[Final Chorus]
I’m a proud dad, let the whole house know
Two first breaths that taught my heart to grow
Fifty-three years, and the picture’s still clear
Her gentle voice is everywhere I hear
And when tomorrow pulls you down the road
Take the steady love she gave to me
I’ll be right here with an open door
Your proud dad, for as long as I can be
[Outro]
For as long as I can be
Her love lives on in you and me