[Verse 1]
I held your hand by the river stones
Tiny fist in mine, all bone and hope
You learned the world in a cardboard boat
Laughing at the rain on your red raincoat
Your mother smiled through the kitchen light
You chased the sun till the yard went white
I saw my face in your stubborn chin
And every old scar shook awake again
[Pre-Chorus]
Now the door swings open wide
And the years all step aside
I hear your name in the wind
Like a vow I never meant to bend
[Chorus]
My only son, my only son
Go on, go on, be the one
My only son, my only son
Carry our fire when I'm gone
(only son)
(only son)
[Verse 2]
Now you've got dust on your work boots
And a map of bruises you won't show through
You stand so tall in the evening gray
Like you were born to break the chain one day
If the road gets hard, if the night gets cold
Remember the stories your old man told
Steel in the heart, and a steady hand
A little more grace than the world can stand
[Pre-Chorus]
Now the sky is burning gold
And I feel you leave the fold
I hear your name in the wind
Like a prayer I keep on breathing in
[Chorus]
My only son, my only son
Go on, go on, be the one
My only son, my only son
Carry our fire when I'm gone
(only son)
(only son)
[Bridge]
If the war drums rise, if the shadows call
I will not chain you to my fall
Take my pride, take my skin and bone
But never believe you walk alone
[Final Chorus]
My only son, my only son
Go on, go on, be the one
My only son, my only son
Carry our fire when I'm gone
My only son, my only son
Run through the storm, face the sun
My only son, my only son
The song goes on through you, my son
(only son)
(only son)