Everyday my papa would work
To try to make ends meet
To see that we would eat
Keep those shoes upon my feet

And every night my papa would take me
Tuck me in my bed
Kiss me on my head
After all my prayers were said

And there were years, of laughter, and of tears
But through it all
Together, we were strong
He was strong

The times were rough
And Papa
He was tough
And Mama stood beside him, all along

Growing up with them was easy
Time just flew on by
The years began to fly
They aged and so did I

But I could tell
That mama, wasn't well
Papa knew, and deep down so did she
So did we

And when she died
Papa broke down and he cried
And all he could say was
"God, why her? Take me."

Every day he sat there
Sleeping, in a rocking chair
He never went upstairs
Because she wasn't there

Then one day, my Papa said
"Son, I'm proud of how you've grown"
He said "make it on your own"
"And don't worry, I'm O.K. alone"

He said, "there are things you must do"
"And 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 "children live through you"
"And they grow, they leave you too"

I remember every word, that papa used to say
I kiss my kids and I pray
That they'll think of me
That way, some day