Every generation blames the one before And all of their frustrations come beatingon your door I know that I'm a prisoner to allMy father held so dear I know that I'm a hostageTo all his hopes and fears I wish I could have told himIn the living yearsOh, crumpled bits of paper Filled with imperfect thoughtsStill the conversations I'm afraid that's all we've gotYou say you just don't see it He says it's perfect senseYou just can't get agreement In this present tenseWe all talk a different language Talking in defenseSay it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hearIt's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eyeSo we open up a quarrel Between the present and the pastWe only sacrifice the future It's the bitterness that lastsSo don't yield to the fortunes You might sometimes see us fadeIt may have a new perspective On a different dayAnd if you don't give up And don't give inIt just might be okayIt's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eyeI wasn't there that morning When my father passed awayAnd I didn't get to tell him All the things I had to sayI think I caught his spirit Later that same yearI'm sure I heard his echo In my newborn baby's tearsI just wish I could have told him In the living yearsOh, say it, say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hearIt's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eyeSo say it, say it, say it loud, say it clear I just wish I could have told himIn the living years