The Bride’s Dad

My ginger voice was raw with smoke
They hid their smiles when I stood and spoke
Some sunny lawn, some Saturday
A face was flushed when I went to sing

Wild Mountain Thyme
But I was crying before the second line
The strawberry stripes across
My ruddy cheeks got em giggling
My eyes are red and wild and wide
As I choked up over another line

For years and year I disappeared
Tonight I'm here and I'm giving my best
It's all I have, the grandkids laugh
My linen vest is yellow stained
And my teeth are chipped, my beard is gray
Your mother left, she's not impressed
The wedding guests are starting to get restless
And I think I have worn out my welcome

But I swear I caught you smile
From the corner of my eye
When they threw me off the stage
Oh I know I saw you smiling
I swear I saw you smiling

They carried me away
Through the center of the crowd
From the corner of my eye
I swear I saw you smiling
You'll always be my darling, sweetheart