Here’s a song I wrote in 2003 as a new dad – I just came across my demo of it last night and thought I’d share it here for free. It’s an oldie, but I hope you like it! (I would probably write it differently now, but part of the charm of it to me is how uncrafted it is.)
It was born when I was humbled by my little boys’ capacity to forgive so easily, to love unconditionally, and countless other virtues that they taught me that I in turn had to teach them in the beautiful paradoxical journey of parenth
ood.
You can download the MP3 here.
Raising A Father
Was it in the heart of God above
That I should finally learn to love
At the hands of a little boy
When I thought I could think of only me
It was then you came and set me free
You helped me find my joy
Like the song that gives the singer his worth
Like the land that shapes the water
Gentle and wise since the day of your birth
You have been raising a father
And where my patience ran a little thin
Was just the place you would begin
To break then make me new
I was afraid that I would let you down
When I held you in my arms I found
The strength to carry you
Like the song that gives the singer his worth
Like the land that shapes the water
Gentle and wise since the day of your birth
You have been raising a father
Time reveals a deeper mystery
As the things I learn from you, in turn you’ll learn from me
For I know I’m not only raising my own son
But I’m raising the father that one day you will become
Though I’m not all I would like to be
When I look into your eyes I see
The man I might become
© 2003 Jason Gray
Jason Gray is a recording artist with Centricity Records. His latest single, out now, is "When I Say Yes".
16 Comments
Stacy Grubb
This is amazing, Jason. I’ve tried to put motherhood into the words of a song, and I just can’t get it done. I also can’t put into words how beautiful I think this song is. I can’t wait to share it with Jason.
Taya Gray
And a fine father you have become . . . your sons too – fine!
Miranda
Lovely song.
Jaclyn
How beautiful. I never realized until recently that children could be teachers to their parents. Thank you for another song brimming with truth, and all kinds of goodness. =)
…and Happy Father’s Day!
Cindy Sorrels
Jason, you made Sorrels and me cry this afternoon! Thank you 🙂 Our kids are growing up, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us any more. It’s been an amazing journey.
Canaan Bound
Much Profoundity. Love it…especially the last five lines or so…
Canaan Bound
oops. * Profundity. *
Tony from Pandora
This morning for Father’s Day at church, I sang ‘Family Man’ by A.P…. Next year, I think I’ll have to sing this one. Thanks, Jason,
Matt
Beautiful… you don’t happen to want to post the chords, too? Pretty please?
Jaclyn
PS: I didn’t know there was a Lovely Losers Acoustic! The cover looks super pretty in iTunes.
Cheri Shelton
Love this song – so sweet and so true!
Deb
Jason, this is a truly beautiful song thanks as always for sharing your heart with us! It was rich to see you yesterday…be gentle with yourself & know we’re still praying for you. ~ deb & tom
Tom
You made me cry yesterday…jerk… 🙂
-Tom
O'Rume Ena
this well written song… ah…, Jason I have an “album” of your demo songs which you did on guitar and this one was one of them, along with some other songs like Cohen’s Hallelujah, very nice.
O'Rume Ena
All the lovely Acoustic versions
Kaitlyn
I was just coming here, after catching up on all of your Rabbit Room posts that I missed, to tell you that I thought I had heard this song. Then I realized, after reading through the comments section, that it was on All The Lovely Acoustic versions that I heard it. I always thought this was a delightful song. Sorry I’m so late to the party on this.
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