He Was There

Red Wing boots on a hardwood floor

5 a.m., he knocked on my door

"Let's get going 'fore the sun comes up

I already got the gun loaded in the truck"

6 mile drive 'cross 452

In a '85 'Yota that he called Old Blue

We'd pull up and I'd get the gate

Get to the blind, sit there and wait

A couple Mossy Oak buddies in the cold November air

He was there

When that white tail jumped that fence

He said, "Alright, buddy, this is it"

Deep breath and take your time

And wait for that broadside

I was shaking like a leaf, but I wasn't scared

'Cause he was there, he was proud

He knew then, looking back now

That time don't know how to go slow

I'd grow up and he'd grow old

All those memories of me by his side

'Tween the pine trees and the life advice he shared

Man, I hold them close

Oh, 'cause those mean the most

'Cause he was there

Nowadays when the season rolls 'round

If I'm lucky enough to get one on the ground

I run to that house off Jim Hogg Road

'Cause I know he'd wanna know

And he'd ask me a thousand questions from his easy chair

Mmm, I can tell he wishes

That he was there, he was proud

It breaks my heart, breaks him down

That time don't know how to go slow

I grew up and he grew old

All those memories of me by his side

'Tween the pine trees and the life advice he shared

Man, I hold them close

Oh, 'cause those mean the most

He was there for every season, sunshine or rain

There when I changed my wife's last name

And on the day my baby girl got here

Down the hall, in a camo hat, in a waiting room chair

He was there