We should always be mindful that young children want to be like their parents (or other primary caregivers).  That’s the message of the following lyric especially for dads of boys. Just as little girls like to walk in the high heels of their moms, little boys relish scooting along in their daddies’ seemingly gigantic shoes; even though later, a girl with a non-athletic mom may be the star on the basketball team, and the boy with an under-the-hood dad may be more comfortable with an artist’s brush than a wrench!

Verse 1:
They said you had a brand new boy
Who looked so much like you.
Your mind raced to great times ahead
And all the things you’d do.
You were so proud to be called Dad;
“That is my boy!” you’d say.
The plans you had were made from dreams
Of Dad and Son someday.

Chorus:
(But) watch you step, Daddy;
Your boy’s following you.
In his eyes you can do no wrong
So keep your footsteps true.
Watch your step, Daddy;
The path ahead is dim.
In years ahead you’ll lead the way
So don’t stumble in front of him.

Verse 2:
The pavement was uneven
(And) a sign was posted there
So everyone who passed that way
Saw warnings to beware
Of the ripples in the sidewalk
That cause a man to fall;
But Daddy thought he’d run with ease
As he held his head up tall.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 3:
Sometimes a wine tastes sweeter
When sipped away from home,
A neighbor’s rose more fragrant
Than the flower of your own.
A second chance looks brighter
Since you’ve had your share of pain;
But is the price you’ll pay too high
For what you want to gain?

Final Chorus:
Watch your step, Daddy;
Your boy’s following you.
In his eyes you can do no wrong
So keep your footsteps true.
Watch your step, Daddy;
The path ahead is dim.
In years ahead you’ll lead the way
So don’t stumble in front of him.

Connie Carlisle Polley, 2018
conniecarlislepolley.com