The Story Behind the Song
Collin had a heart that always put others first. He never wanted anyone to feel left out or carry a burden alone. I treasure our conversations, the music he shared with me, and the projects we worked on together. This song is about the future we never got to share, the memories I’ll forever cherish, and the incredible pride I feel in being his dad. I was proud of who he was and the man he was becoming.
Lyrics
Verse 1
I still see your ball cap hangin’ on the hook,
The pages dog-eared in your favorite book.
Your boots still lined up by the old back door,
Ain’t been touched since your feet hit that floor.
The smell of oil and grass still fills the air,
I turn around and swear I see you standing there.
You’d flash that grin, that look of pride,
And I’d thank the Lord that you were mine.
Pre-Chorus
You were just a boy with a heart so true,
But every dream I had began with you.
Chorus
Now I’m talkin’ to your shadow, reachin’ through the pain,
Wishin’ I could show you life’s storm and rain.
You’ll never stand at the altar, wearin’ that ring,
Or hear your baby cry, that brand-new thing.
But I’ll keep your fire burnin’ deep in my chest,
Because bein’ your dad was the thing I did best.
You were the man you were becoming,
And I was proud of who you were.
⸻
Verse 2
We used to drive those back roads, just me and you,
Talkin’ ‘bout girls, about life, about what you’d do.
You said, “Dad, I wanna be strong like you someday,”
I laughed and said, “Son, you already are in every way.”
You didn’t need a cape or a hero’s crown,
You were a man before the world found out.
The way you loved, the way you cared,
I saw a reflection of my own heart there.
Pre-Chorus
You were my reason, my pride, my proof,
And I’d give my life to bring back your youth.
Chorus
Now I’m talkin’ to the heavens, whisperin’ your name,
Still wearin’ the hurt like a brandin’ flame.
I’ll never see your wedding dance or watch you shave your face,
But I still see that boy runnin’ in that wide-open space.
You were the man you were becoming,
And I was proud of who you were.
⸻
Bridge 1
There’s a photo on the mantle I can’t look through,
Me in that old cap, my arm ‘round you.
Your mama still cries when the night gets long,
But she says your voice still fills our song.
And I hold her close when she starts to break,
We talk to the stars ‘til the morning wakes.
Sometimes I feel your hand in mine,
And I remember God’s love don’t follow time.
⸻
Verse 3
You were just startin’ to carve your name in stone,
Building your world, finding your own.
I dreamed I’d help you fix your first home,
Teach you the things my daddy had shown.
How to change a tire, how to treat your wife,
How to love your kids more than your own life.
How to keep your word, shake firm, stand tall—
Now I whisper those lessons to your name on the wall.
⸻
Chorus 3
Now I’m standin’ in the silence where your laughter used to be,
Asking God why He didn’t choose me.
I’d have gone in your place without a doubt,
Trade every breath just to work this out.
But I know you’re in a place with no more pain,
And I’ll see you there when I’m home again.
You were the man you were becoming,
And I was proud of who you were.
⸻
Bridge 2
Some nights I hear your boots in the hall,
That quick little rhythm I still recall.
I wake up hopin’ it’s real somehow,
But all I find is the quiet now.
Still I thank God for the time we had,
For lettin’ me be your old man, your dad.
No time’s enough, but I was blessed,
And I’ll keep your name carved on my chest.
⸻
Final Chorus
So I’ll keep livin’ like you’d want me to,
Tryin’ to make you proud in all I do.
You taught me grace, you taught me fight,
You taught me love even through the night.
And when that day comes, I’ll see you there,
Arms wide open, wind in your hair.
You were the man you were becoming,
And I was proud of who you were.
⸻
Outro
Yeah, I was proud of who you were,
And I’ll love you forever, my son… my world.
Until I see you again.
