[Verse 1]
You were swingin’ on that screen door
Laughin’ through your crooked grin
Sunburnt neck and an old ball cap
Daring all the trouble in
You carved dreams into that pine tree
“Someday I will leave this town”
You were growing up fast to help your dad
After learning at eight your mother was dead
A little man holding the old house down
[Chorus]
Bruce Benton Brown
You never wore a crown
But you kept the lights on when the world shut down
You were first to the fight
Last one to leave
Hands like a prayer rolled up in your sleeves
Bruce Benton Brown
You’d just shake your head
Say
“I ain’tnothin’
Just doin’ my best”
But we’re all standin’ where your footprints lead
Yeah, you were bigger than you’d ever believe
[Verse 2]
You fixed brakes in that gravel driveway
Charged a cup of coffee
Maybe half a tank
Taught the kids how to throw their first punch
Then to open up their hands and thank
You’d get quiet at the third song
When the church band hit that line
Eyes closed
Little tremor in your shoulder
Like you were layin’ something down inside
[Chorus]
Bruce Benton Brown
You never wore a crown
But you kept the lights on when the world shut down
You were first to the fight
Last one to leave
Hands like a prayer rolled up in your sleeves
Bruce Benton Brown
You’d just shake your head
Say
“I ain’tnothin’
Just doin’ my best”
But we’re all standin’ where your footprints lead
Yeah,you were bigger than you’d ever believe
[Bridge]
We tell your stories till every heart breaks
Save you a seat at everycrawfish boil
Every small-town Friday night
Feels like it’s still holdin’ you
I hear your nasal voice when the road gets rough
“Cuz, yagotta keep goin’ when it’s gettin’ tough”
You made us all feel important
An excellent son, a great big brother
A loving husband and hopeless romantic
The world’s best father to the very end
[Chorus]
Bruce Benton Brown
You never wore a crown
But you kept the lights on when the world shut down
You were first to join the fight
Last one to leave
Hands like a prayer rolled up in your sleeves
Bruce Benton Brown
I hope you finally see
All the hearts you mended just by bein’ youand fancy free
We’re all walkin’ where your footprints lead
Yeah, you were bigger than you’d ever believe
Copyright January 18, 2026, by Stephen Craig Whitley – All Rights Reserved
