A Father's Love (The Only Way He Knew How)

Album: I'm Alright (2010)
Play Video
  • For the longest time I guess I thought he didn't give a damn
    Hard to read, hard to please, that was my old man
    On the day I left for college, it was nothing new
    We never had that heart to heart - he had too much to do

    He checked the air in my tires
    The belts and all the spark plug wires
    Said when the hell's the last time you had this oil changed
    And as I pulled out the drive he said be sure and call your mom sometime
    And I didn't hear it then but I hear it now
    He was saying I love you the only way he knew how

    A hundred twenty-thousand miles and six years down the road
    A brand new life and a brand new wife and we had just bought out first home
    When he finally came to visit I thought he'd be so proud
    He never said he liked the place he just got his tool belt out

    And put new locks on the door
    Went back and forth to the hardware store
    Said come and hold this flashlight
    As he crawled beneath the sink
    These old wires aren't up to code
    And that circuit box is gonna overload
    And I didn't hear it then but I hear it now
    He was saying I love you the only way he knew how

    Last Sunday we all gathered for his 65th birthday
    I knew he'd stiffen up but I hugged him anyway
    When it was finally time to say goodbye I knew what was next
    Just like he always does, right before we left

    He checked the air in my tires
    The belts and all the spark plug wires
    Said when the hell's the last time you had this oil changed
    And as I pulled out the drive he said be sure and call your mom sometime
    And I didn't hear it then but I hear it now
    He was saying I love you
    He was saying I love you the only way he knew how Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.