Had to grow up before I started shavin'
More worried about mama than running and playing outside
She didn't sleep at night, I guess neither did I
I don't know how she did what she did, but she did it
Knew someone was missing, but for her, I hid it
She had enough on her plate
So I tried to take his place
Be strong when you ain't
And hold on when you can't
She won't tell you but she needs you
And you can't let her down
So hide those shakin' hands
Be a rock when you feel like sand
It turns out all I was back then is all that I am now
Just a boy trying to be the man of the house
Someone new shows up with some flowers
They go out for a couple of hours
Home alones fun, for any other kid
But I couldn't watch her go through it again
Trying to fill shoes that ain't my size
But the world don't give a damn 'bout the age of the dog in the fight
So be strong when you ain't
And hold on when you can't
She can't tell you but she needs you
And you can't let her down
Hide those shakin' hands
Be a rock when you feel like sand
It turns out all I was back then is all that I am now
Just a boy trying to be the man of the house
Just a boy trying to be the man of the house
Married my girl and we had a few babies
Trying to give them the childhood life never gave me
Know they probably can't tell
But I am still tellin' myself
Be strong when you ain't
And hold on when you can't
They can't tell you but they need you
And you can't let them down
So hide those shakin' hands
Be a rock when you feel like sand
It turns out all I was back then is all that I am now
Just a boy trying to be the man of the house
Just a boy trying to be the man of the house
Still a boy trying to be the man of the house