Dad, I Need You Now

[Verse 1]
I learned to tie my shoes alone
First bruise
First fight
Walked myself home
Said I was fine
Said I was strong
But I was just a kid holding on
[Chorus]
Dad
I need you now
Not in some old photograph
I need your voice
Your arms
Your laugh
I grew up tough
But I still break somehow
I didn’t say it then
Dad
I need you now
[Verse 2]
I don’t know how to be a man
I fake a smile
Pretend I’ve got a plan
There’s this empty chair by my side
Where your advice should live
Not my pride
[Chorus]
Dad
I need you now
Not in some old photograph
I need your voice
Your arms
Your laugh
I grew up tough
But I still break somehow
I never said it loud
Dad
I need you now
[Bridge]
Do you think of me at night?
Do you wonder if I’m alright?
‘Cause I’m here
And I’m still your son
If you reach for me
I won’t run (no, I won’t run)
[Chorus]
Dad
I need you now
More than I can say out loud
I need your eyes
On me
Proud
I grew up fast
But I still hurt somehow
So I’m saying it for real
Dad
I need you now

Intimate acoustic ballad with male vocals, close-mic guitar and soft piano. First verse almost whispered, then drums and warm bass bloom gently in the chorus. Subtle string pad in the bridge to lift the emotion, light backing harmonies on the hook for an aching, hopeful climax.