Lyrics
Verse 1
There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
and I thank god for all of the joy in my life
Chorus
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning And butterfly kisses at night.
Verse 2
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember.....
Chorus (Repeat)
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy,
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Bridge
All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
Verse 3
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said
"I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over
Chorus (Final)
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle is a father’s song about his daughter growing up. It begins with prayer: she was sent “from heaven,” she talks to Jesus at bedtime, and the father thanks God for the joy in his life. The title picture is a small, tender habit after those prayers.
The verses follow her through a first pony ride, a sixteenth birthday, and a wedding day. In each, the chorus returns to the same moments of closeness, and the father admits that despite all he has done wrong, he must have done something right to deserve her love. That humility gives the song its gratitude.
The view of a child as a gift is close to Psalm 127:3, which calls children a heritage from the Lord. The father’s tenderness also recalls Psalm 103:13, where a father shows compassion to his children. The bridge about years passing like the wind prepares for the wedding, where he lets her go. The song is a family prayer of thanks.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 127:3 Children as a heritage from the Lord
- Psalm 103:13 A father’s compassion for his children
- Psalm 128:3 Children as blessing around the family table