Before You’re Gone

As I look at this picture
Black and white in front of me
I see a boy holding the hand of his well-remembered dad
Full of hope and affection he’s looking bright in his father’s eyes
But after all, why did this go wrong?
Why did this story turn out so bad?
These are questions a nine-year old will ask himself once in a while
But after storm clouds disappear
After years it will be clear
So dear dad, this song’s for you ‘cause you need me more than I need you
Listen closely to my words, listen closely

Before you’re gone we need to talk
Before my songs have all been sung

As I’m looking back to those days
My hands clutching on to our picture
I just can’t be angry anymore
Even though things didn’t end up as planned
You sometimes saw me through your eyes
As your own compensation for the faults that you did in your youth
There are so many things that I’d like to complain
But I know that I can’t wrap all up in this song
I just want you to know that you should have been more
To me in those shattered old forgotten years
Like a man, a man who is there
To teach me how to stand up for myself
Like an idol to me or an anchor somewhere
You should have been more
Do you know what I mean?

Before you’re gone we need to talk
Before my songs have all been sung