Still my little girl

I remember the day you were born,

Held your hand, swore to weather every storm.

But I watched you leave through the backseat glass,

Your mama made sure it would be the last.

She closed the door on my world that day,

Took my light and drove away.

Told you stories ‘bout who I ain’t,

While I whispered prayers through all that pain.

But you’re still my little girl,

Even if I’ve missed your whole world.

First steps, school plays, scraped-up knees

All the memories that weren’t made with me.

Though I couldn’t be there to watch you grow,

There’s a love in me you’ll always know.

I didn’t walk away, I was pushed aside,

But you’ve always been the reason I fight.

I mailed the letters, they came back torn,

Left gifts on the porch you never saw.

I watched birthdays come and go,

Wishing on candles you didn’t know.

I ain’t perfect, but I’ve always tried,

To be your dad, to be a light.

And though she painted me wrong in your eyes,

My love’s been steady all this time.

Cause you’re still my little girl,

Even if I’ve missed your whole world.

Dance recitals, high school days,

All the “I love yous” she took away.

Though I missed the stories you used to tell,

You’ve been my heartbeat, I know you well.

I didn’t leave, I was left behind,

But your name never left my mind.

And if the day comes you find your way,

Through the hurt and past the blame,

I’ll be standing here with open arms,

Just the same old dad with a weathered heart.

You’re still my little girl,

No matter how far this life has hurled.

I may not be in your family frames,

But I’ve whispered every prayer in your name.

And if we get a second chance to start,

I’ll hold you close and never part.

I didn’t walk away, I was pushed aside,

But you’ve always been…

The love of my life.

Yeah, you’re still my little girl…

Always have been, in my heart’s whole world.