Prompt / Lyrics
[Verse 1] I used to park a block away so no one saw my face, Heart pounding like a sinner who’d forgotten how to pray. I’d sit there in the silence, watching shadows on the floor, Too ashamed to knock, too scared to walk to Dakota’s door. I’d see his bike out in the yard, the one I never fixed, The one I promised I’d come back for after one more mix. But promises don’t matter when your word ain’t worth a dime, And I was just a ghost who kept on running out of time. [Chorus] Paytan’s window, Dakota’s door… Two places I was welcome once, but not no more. I’d whisper “I’m your daddy” like a prayer I couldn’t prove, Watching from the outside all the lives I couldn’t choose. I loved ‘em more than breath itself, but shame kept me on the floor… Outside Paytan’s window, outside Dakota’s door. [Verse 2] Paytan had a laugh that used to light me up inside, But I traded all her sunshine for a darker place to hide. I’d see her little silhouette pull curtains closed at night, And wonder if she knew her daddy lost another fight. I’d trace her name on fogged-up glass like somehow she could see, Like maybe she could feel the part of me that still believed. But kids don’t need a promise — they need someone who shows, And I was just a stranger that her memory barely knows. [Chorus] Paytan’s window, Dakota’s door… Two places I was welcome once, but not no more. I’d whisper “I’m your daddy” like a prayer I couldn’t prove, Watching from the outside all the lives I couldn’t choose. I loved ‘em more than breath itself, but shame kept me on the floor… Outside Paytan’s window, outside Dakota’s door. [Bridge] One night I swear I heard a voice Cut through the guilt and rain, Saying, “Son, you can’t go backward, But you sure as hell can change.” And I dropped that bottle right there On the sidewalk where I stood… Promised God I’d fight like hell To be the man they always should’ve had. [Final Chorus] Paytan’s window, Dakota’s door… I ain’t standing in the shadows of that life no more. I’m building something stronger with these hands I once ignored, Trying to earn the right to hear them say my name once more. I can’t rewrite the past, but I can fight for what’s in store… For Paytan’s window… And Dakota’s door. [Outro] Yeah, I’m walking toward the light now… Not hiding in the dark no more.
Tags
Country, Deeply Sad, Divided, Father Hurt that cost everything, serrious.
Duration
4:51
Instrumental
No
Created
2/13/2026