[Verse 1]
You were there in the plastic chairs
Folding programs at my first big game
Told me
“Head up
Kid
Don’t flinch
Your last name means you play through pain”
You were there by the front porch light
Leaned back
Just nodding
Saying
“Go”
When I swore the world was way too wide
You laughed
Said
“That’s how you grow”
[Chorus]
I know you’re there
In every cheer I still hear in my head
I know you’re there
Every promise you said
Every prayer you said
When I’m lost in a room full of people
And I feel that empty chair
I look up
Breathe in
And I swear
I know you’re there
I know you’re there
[Verse 2]
You were there at the cap and gown
In the back row
Eyes glassed
Real proud
Didn’t shout much
Just that small smile
But it cut through the crowd
Too loud
You were there when I fixed this tie
Hands shaking on my wedding day
I saw grandma wipe both her eyes
You were standing in the space by her face
[Chorus]
I know you’re there
In the quiet when the room holds its breath
I know you’re there
In her laugh when she fights back the rest
When I’m holding a ring
Saying “forever”
Feeling way too young
Too scared
I feel your hand on my shoulder
Yeah
I know you’re there
I know you’re there
[Bridge]
You were there when my boy first cried (oh)
Tiny fingers
My whole life rewound
I heard your voice say
“That’s my guy”
Like you’d just touched down in town
You’re there when I drive past your house
Paint peeled
But the roses still care
Grandma sets your plate out at the table
Talks to the silence like you’re still in that chair
[Chorus]
I know you’re there
In the creak of that old front stair
I know you’re there
Every time she smooths back her hair
When I tuck my son in and I tell him
’bout the man who taught me to dare
Three hearts
One line through the years
I know you’re there
I know you’re there