For Dad

Out where the desert meets the sky so wide and blue

On June sixth of ’42, a cowboy came into view

With a steady hand and a heart so true

He built his life the honest way, like the old-time cowboys do

With Karen by his side, his one and only love

He thanked the Lord each night beneath the stars above

Five young souls he raised up strong

Taught ’em right from wrong with a quiet, steady song

He’d say, “Ain’t nothin like it,” down at Lake Powell’s shore

Skimmin’ ‘cross that water, hear the freedom roar

Teachin’ kids to stand up tall, hold that rope and try

With the sun settin’ golden in that big Utah sky

He worked from dawn till the daylight faded low

Never chased the easy road, just the one he’d know

A man don’t measure riches by the gold he holds

But by the love he gives and the stories told

Every stray dog found a friend, every horse a gentle hand

He saw a little good in everything across this land

Family was his brand and his guiding star

No matter where we wandered, we knew just who we are

And he’d say, “Ain’t nothin like it,” with a humble grin

‘Bout the life you live and the shape you’re in

Simple words, but they ring so true

Like a cowboy’s code that’ll see you through

Now he’s ridin’ where the open ranges never end

With the same true heart, still a faithful friend

But we feel him in the wind that softly blows

And in every trail of dust where the memory grows

So we’ll say, “Ain’t nothin like it,” as we carry on

Singin’ his song from dusk till dawn

‘Cause a cowboy’s spirit don’t fade away

It rides forever in the light of day