Story Behind The Song

Written for my father on his 75th birthday.

Song Description

A tribute to the kind and generous nature of my father.

Lyrics

My father's not the president
He's not the head of state
I don't suppose the history books will rank him with the great
He didn't scramble to the top
Or win a test of might
He chose instead to spend his years coming home at night

My father's not the president
He never gave a speech
But he used to bend his neck down low so my small arms could reach
And when I would look up at him
He seemed to stand so tall
Now many years have come and gone and that's not changed at all

My father's not the president
He's not a famous man
But when I struck out in the ninth he took me by the hand
Many times I've struck out since
Perhaps I always will
When I do he's got a shoulder I can lean on still

I dreamed I stood upon a hill
High above the street
And thousands of important men were gathered at my feet
Famous faces, millionaires
Great men every one
A voice told me to pick one out and I could be his son

Each of them filled up my ears
With self-important talk
Until I spied a man in back shovelling someone's walk
He wasn't trying very hard
To make himself a star
He simply went about his work and fixed the neighbor's car

He gave the shirt right off his back
To someone that was near
It was then I made my choice and the others disappeared
My father's not the president
But still it's plain to see
When everything is said and done it's him I'd like to be