I wear your name

I remember how you held my hand when I was scared of the dark, how you whispered softly, Don't be afraid I'm here And the world felt safe I didn't know back then that you were more than just my dad, you were the strongest man I'd ever known I grew up, and the world taught me to be loud, but I'm still looking for you in every stranger's shoulder I carry your silence like a compass in my mind, and it always points to where you're waiting for me

Forgive me for being loud when you were quiet, forgive me for walking away without looking back Forgive me for every wrinkle I gave you, for every evening you spent waiting for my call

I wear your name — not just as a last name, but as a badge of honor, of the man you were before you became my father I want my son to be proud of me the same way that I am proud of you I want to be like you My shoulders are yours now My hands are yours now I'd give you my youth, if I could Just be Just live I'm your wall now

I finally saw your hands — not just as tools, but as a man who was once as young as me You hide your pain behind a smile at the door, but I see how tired you are, my old friend I want to take away all your have-tos and musts, I want you to learn how to just live again You gave me your life, drop by drop, thread by thread, now it's my turn to weave the sky for you

Forgive me for being loud when you were quiet, forgive me for walking away without looking back Forgive me for every wrinkle I gave you, for every evening you spent waiting for my call