Everyday my papa would work
To try to make ends meet
To see that we would eat
Keep those shoes upon my feet
Every night my papa would take me
And tuck me in my bed
Kiss me on my head
After all my prayers were said
There were years
Of sadness and of tears
Through it all
Together we were strong
We were strong
The time were rough
But Papa he was tough
And mama she stood beside him all along

Growing up with them was easy
The time just flew on by
The years began to fly
They aged and so did I
I could tell
Mama she wasn't well
And papa knew and deep down so did she
So did she
And when she died
Papa broke down and he cried
And all he could say was, "God, why her? Take me!"
Everyday he sat there sleeping in a rocking chair
He never went upstais
Because she wasn't there

Then one day my Papa said,
"Son, I'm proud of how you've grown"
He said, "Go out and make it on your own.
And don't worry. I'm O.K. alone."
He said, "There are things you must do
Places you must see"
His eyes were sad as he
As he said goodbye to me

Every time I kiss my children
Papa's words ring true
He said, "Your children they live through you.
And they grow! They'll leave you, too"
I remember every word my papa used to say
I kiss my kids and pray
That they'll think, think of me
That way
Someday