The Statler Brothers - Dad Lyrics
Lyrics
They say he held me just the way new Daddy's always do,
Kinda like he was afraid I would break in two,
And everything he did would make me laugh so I've been told,
He bought a war bond in my name when I was 2 weeks old.
He never made me button up, or made sure I wore a hat,
PTA and Sunday School, Mama did all that,
I know now that he wanted to do more than he did,
But I had no way of knowing then, cause I was just a kid.
He taught me how to drive a car and fire a 16 gauge,
He taught me how to shoot 9 ball before I was of age,
He taught me how to bluff a straight while holding just pair,
He never had all the answers, but he was always there.
He never took me fishin', or mentioned birds and bees,
And I can count on one hand the times he raised his voice at me,
He had an edge on education, and wisdom was his tool,
He could tell two days before it snowed and you can't learn that in school.
He taught me how to tie a tie and read an almanac,
He taught me how to catch a horse and how to ride him back,
He told me, "Son a woman will get madder at you,
For something you don't do to her than for something that you do."
So dad if you can hear us, if there's radio's up there,
Turn it up and listen, your boys are on the air,
We never could repay you, no matter what we do,
But we wrote this song and sang it, and we did it just for you.
Video
The Statler Brothers - Dad
Meaning & Inspiration
The Statler Brothers' poignant 2012 release, "Dad," arrives not as a mere musical offering, but as a profound testament to paternal love and legacy, deeply resonating with themes that echo through the very fabric of faith and family. The song unfolds as a son's retrospective, painting a vivid portrait of a father whose quiet strength and unwavering presence shaped his child's life. From the tender recollection of a father's gentle hold, a vulnerability that speaks to the protective instinct instilled by God, to the profound lessons learned outside the confines of formal education, the lyrics illuminate a fatherhood characterized by action and steadfastness. This is a man who didn't necessarily preach, but demonstrated; who didn't always articulate the "how-to" of life's complexities, but offered his presence as the ultimate guide. His wisdom, as described, transcended textbooks, hinting at the discernment and understanding that often blossom from a life lived in thoughtful observation and divine guidance.
The narrative expertly captures the essence of a father's role as a foundational pillar, teaching essential life skills – from navigating the road to understanding the nuances of human interaction, particularly concerning relationships. The father’s advice, "Son a woman will get madder at you, for something you don't do to her than for something that you do," while grounded in practical, everyday wisdom, speaks to the importance of active love and attentiveness in all relationships, a principle deeply embedded in Scripture. Consider the exhortation in 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins," which underscores the proactive nature of love. Furthermore, the father's presence, described as always being there even without all the answers, mirrors the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother," and this song's portrait of a dad who "was always there" powerfully illustrates such enduring loyalty. The song’s climax, a direct address to the father in heaven, acknowledging the impossibility of full repayment and offering this song as a humble token of gratitude, is a moving echo of the thankfulness we owe to God for His immeasurable grace and sacrifice. The Statler Brothers, through "Dad," have crafted a piece that not only honors a singular paternal bond but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the enduring, guiding love that shapes us, a love that finds its ultimate expression in the divine model of fatherhood.