Once More

You sat me on the rocking horse

And kneeled on the floor to the side.

I pretended I was a jockey in a race

And had a grin on my face so wide.

It’s ok, Dad, I said,

Now you can let go.
I’m ready, and you’ve taught me

Just what I need to know.

There in the front yard
Sitting proudly on my bike
A young girl’s first taste
Of what freedom’s really like

You ran along beside me
With one hand on the seat
I smiled and pedaled harder
And headed for the street.

It’s ok, Dad, I said,
Now you can let go.
I’m ready, and you’ve taught me
Just what I need to know. 

Walking behind you in the snow

I put my feet where yours had been

You reached back with your hand

To offer me your help

And to keep me on my feet

But I knew then that I could stand.

It’s ok, Dad, I said,

Now you can let go.
I’m ready, and you’ve taught me

Just what I need to know.

Almost to the aisle,
On my wedding day,
You looked at me and said,

I feel like there’s something I should say.

When the preacher asks
Who gives this woman
I know what to do
I’ll say the words
And then let go
But I’ll always be here for you.

It’s ok, Dad, I said,

Now you can let go.
I’m ready and you’ve taught me

Just what I need to know.

It was so hard to see
A man so strong
So fragile in the bed.
I lay down beside him
And put my head on his chest
And, once more, I said:

It’s ok, Dad, I said,

Now you can let go.
I’m ready and you’ve taught me

Just what I need to know.