I never tucked you into bed
I wasn't there on your first day of school
To kiss you on your head
I didn't scold you when you misbehaved
I didn't make you clean your plate
When you lay in your mother's arms
I lived in another state
No I never knew your mother
Till after I met you
Because I'm not your father --
But if I was your father
I'd choose to be your father
For the joy of knowing you
Chorus.
I don't deserve to call you daughter
And I guess I never will
But if you need a father
God grant I fit the bill
Now you're shaking cause you're hurting
Somebody failed to treat you right
Before, I wasn't here for you
You bet I'm here for you tonight
I'll sit with you in darkness
When you just can't go to bed
I'll wake you from the nightmares
Spinning in your head
I'll be there to steady you
When you feel you cannot stand
If you're feeling stuck down in a hole
I'll be a helping hand
When you call me, I will be here
Any hour of any day
And when you don't need me
Depend on me to pray
Chorus
I don't deserve to call you daughter
I can't imagine how I could
But the more I've come to know you
I've started thinkin' that I should
I hope I haven't disrespected
The ones who gave you life
How could I replace your dad
Or make your mom my wife
(That'd be bigamy.)
I know it's just a fantasy
That I could ever have a part
In making one so beautiful --
Who else could make my life so full
But one so wonderful as you --
You're the daughter of my heart
Chorus
Yes I call you daughter
Because you dared to call me dad
And though I never had a daughter
You're the best I never had
Thank God for
Bringing me to you
When you needed me.
LYLAD
