[Verse 1]
My daughters light the hallway
Little boots by the door
My sons are men now
But I still want more
Our house got split in pieces
I learned to wear a face
I swallow every teardrop
So they can find their place
[Pre-Chorus]
I take the long road home
With a cracked-up heart in my chest
If I look like I'm fine
It's for the ones I love best
[Chorus]
Children come first
Children come first
My heart can wait its turn
Children come first
Children come first
Love me when you learn
(Children come first)
[Verse 2]
I tuck my hurt in silence
Behind a tired smile
I stand there at the table
And make it look worthwhile
My family might be broken
But I keep my hands steady
If they need a father
I stay soft, I stay ready
[Pre-Chorus]
I take the long road home
With a cracked-up heart in my chest
If I look like I'm fine
It's for the ones I love best
[Chorus]
Children come first
Children come first
My heart can wait its turn
Children come first
Children come first
Love me when you learn
(Children come first)
[Bridge]
If they come back to me
I won't ask them to choose
I'll keep the light on steady
For the whole room to use
My daughters are my world
My sons know where I stand
I may bend under sorrow
But I won't let go their hands
[Chorus]
Children come first
Children come first
My heart can wait its turn
Children come first
Children come first
Love me when you learn
(Children come first)
[Outro]
Broken don't mean done
Pain don't mean I quit
I love my children first
And I live for every bit