When I First Held Your Name

[Verse 1]
Tiny shoes on the table
Still tied together with a tag
Little frame with your first picture
On the fridge beside a grocery list and a magnet flag
I talk to you in the quiet
Driving home from another long day
Tell you all the stupid things I’m scared of
And how I’m learning it’s okay
[Chorus]
I haven’t seen your face
But I already miss you
Haven’t heard you cry
But I swear I’d die to kiss you
I’m practicing your name
In this empty hallway air
I’m not a father yet
But I promise I’ll be there
Oh
I promise I’ll be there
[Verse 2]
Your mom laughs when I panic
Over building your crib straight
I measure every single corner
Like it’s holding all our fate
There’s a book about “how to do this”
Open
But I just stare
’Cause what if all you really need
Is someone clumsy who just cares
[Chorus]
I haven’t seen your face
But I already miss you
Haven’t held your hand
But my whole world leans toward you
I’m practicing your name
On this worn-out
Creaking chair
I’m not a father yet
But I promise I’ll be there
Oh
I promise I’ll be there
[Bridge]
One day you’ll call me “Daddy” (yeah)
And I’ll try not to cry
When you’re learning how to stand up
I’ll be learning how to try
If I ever seem uncertain
Just remember
Little one
I might not have all the answers
But I’ll never
Ever run
[Chorus]
I haven’t seen your face
But I already love you
Haven’t heard you breathe
But my every breath’s for you
I’m practicing your name
Like a quiet
Tender prayer
I’m not a father yet
But I promise I’ll be there
From your very first small heartbeat
I was already there

Warm acoustic ballad with male vocals; intimate fingerpicked guitar and soft piano under verses, subtle pads blooming in the chorus. Gentle rise into each hook with light toms and shaker, then pull back to almost solo voice for the bridge. Final chorus swells with stacked harmonies and a simple melodic guitar line answering the vocal.