Fred Small - Father's Song Lyrics
I remember the manRising early in the morningSmelling of starch and aftershaveSometimes I would shave beside himWith a plastic razor and a cardboard bladeAnd watch his car disppearInto the morning gray.I remember the manTalking so long on the telephoneHis voice hard and polished like a precious stoneIn command of itself and the darknessHe was not afraid in my hearingThough sometimes he would rageWithout reasonCHORUS:There's a man I hardly rememberWho would hold me in his arms without flinchingAnd tell me it's all rightI put my hands out to my fatherStanding strong in the waterWhen I could not swimI held on to himIt was all right.I remember the manShouting from the sidelines at my football gamesHe'd razz opposing players by their namesMy mother would plead, Oh please calm downAnd he did when the game was overHe was so proudOf his son.I remember the manLaid off last DecemberThat's not what they called itTwenty years with the firmEased out in favor of a younger manFear tugged at his voiceBut he had other plans.CHORUSI dreamed last night of my grandmotherShe was tall and I a childBut death was hiding in her houseIn the dark I saw herA rotting shellAnd I cried outMy father took my handAnd led me from that awful place.Soon my parents will be oldThey will count their dreams and weight themOne by oneTwo lives long together, a daughter and a sonMany things accomplished, many left undoneSome left behindFor something better.And once before he diesI will hold him in my arms without flinchingAnd tell him it's all rightI put my hands out to my fatherStanding strong in the waterWhen I could not swimI held on to himIt was all right
