She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders
It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...
She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She will be gone
Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Cinderella
Cinderella Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Cinderella," with its video released on August 6, 2009, offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time within the parent-child relationship, specifically from a father's perspective towards his daughter. The narrative unfolds through distinct moments in the daughter's life, each marked by her simple yet persistent request: "Dad, I need to practice my dancing." This recurring line anchors the song, illustrating how seemingly small, everyday interactions become significant milestones for the parent, highlighting the constant, gentle pull of a child needing their father's presence and participation in their world. The song opens with the daughter's carefree movement contrasting with the father's weariness, immediately setting the stage for the central theme of finding joy and purpose in these moments despite life's burdens.
The lyrics trace the daughter's journey from a young girl anticipating a "ball at the castle," through her teenage years looking forward to prom, and finally to her approaching wedding day. With each stage, the father recognizes the fleeting nature of their shared time, encapsulated in the powerful chorus. He resolves to "dance with Cinderella" while he can, understanding that this special period of closeness is temporary. The metaphor of the clock striking midnight and her being "gone" symbolizes not an end to their relationship, but the inevitable transition as she grows up, gains independence, and moves into her own life with a partner. This transition is as significant and transformative as Cinderella's midnight deadline.
Central to the song's emotional core is the father's realization, "I know something the prince never knew." This line suggests a deeper, perhaps more profound, understanding of the daughter's inner world, her unique spirit, and the depth of her history and bond with her father – a connection that predates and is distinct from the romantic love she will eventually share. The father cherishes "even one song," emphasizing the preciousness of each moment, each dance, and his desire to be fully present for every step of her journey before she embarks on her own. It is an inspirational call to savor the fleeting present.
The song's themes of cherishing time and the parent-child bond resonate with scriptural principles found throughout the Bible. Passages often speak to the swiftness of life, encouraging individuals to make the most of the time given, as seen in verses like Psalm 90:12, which asks God to "teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." The value and responsibility within the parent-child relationship are also emphasized in scripture, such as in Ephesians 6:4, which instructs fathers regarding raising their children, and in Proverbs, which contains wisdom about guidance and family dynamics. The song's focus on being present and investing in relationships aligns with the biblical call to love well and steward the time and relationships God has entrusted to us, understanding that each season is temporary and precious.
