Daddy's Girl

This is another one of my "pet songs." I wrote it for my father for Christmas, complete with the guitar part (which turned into me spasmatically playing one chord over and over in unrhythmic disgrace).

He grew up living a simpler life, at least that's what some would say
Struggling through problems few would know today
In fact, I don't know of all he has overcome
He's never been the type to complain to me or anyone
But he's made his life great, through his sweat and through his blood
and raised his children softly, guided by his love
I would rather die than dissappoint this man
And I'll live my life as testament to the work of his hands

My daddy was my hero when I was very small
Carried me on his shoulders- I knew he could do it all
Chased monsters from the closet, taught me how to throw a ball
taught me how to ride that bike, picked me up when I'd fall

I grew up living a happy life, knowing no real fear
For even in the darkest nights, he was always near
Showing me how to live my life by how he lived himself
Gave me the gifts of honor and love and pride, if not of wealth

My dad was my rock when I was growing up
Told me to get back up each time I fell down
And as I defined who I wanted to become
He told me to remember where I had come from

I've grown my wings and left the home I've lived in my whole life
Come back to visit when I have the time
Cuz I'm in California, New York and Mexico
But the ties I never cut are those roots I have to home

My father is a man I love and respect so much
Raised me with patience, though I was in a rush
To be grown and leave the town I'd come to know so well
And when I'll be back this way, only time will tell
But I'll remember to say "I love you" before I hit the road
So you can hear it from my mouth, not from the telephone

For I might go and change the world like he said I could
LIke he said when I was little and always would
Ask him "Daddy, what should I be when I am grown"
And he said I could be anything, as long as I followed my own
heart as I made my way though this great big world
I could be anything I want, but I'd always be Daddy's girl
Yeah, I could be anyone, but i'm glad to be Daddy's girl