Reminiscing in the kitchen, daddy lights a cigarette
I just sit and listen, cuz I know he forgets
He tells me this same story every time I come back here
But in his mind, it's the first time, and his eyes get so clear
When he says
"Son, I served my Country
Raised my boys to be men
Sat in a pew each Sunday
And I married my best friend
I remember watching you kids play
Just like it was yesterday
But I can't remember yesterday
So when I'm gone, remember me
The way I used to be"
He said, "that mirror, she's a liar, cuz that ain't really me
I'm a hard-ass, working class, coach of your little league
I could show you houses these hands built if I could just still drive
I may not look much like him now, but don't forget that guy
Cuz son I served my Country
Raised my boys to be men
Sat in a pew each Sunday
Married my best friend
I remember high school football games
Just like they were yesterday
But I can't remember yesterday
So when I'm gone, remember me
The way I used to be"
So I smile like I haven't heard all this before
And I pray I get to hear it a thousand times more
When he says...
"Son, I served my Country
Raised my boys to be men
Sat in a pew each Sunday
Married my best friend
I remember 1988
Just like it was yesterday
I just can't remember yesterday
So when I'm gone, remember me
The way I used to be"