He Didn't Have To Be - Brad Paisley

Submitted by Barbara

When a single mom goes out on a date
With somebody new
It always ends up feeling more like a job interview
My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me
And then turn around and run

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old
He took my mom out to a movie
And for once I got to go
A few months later I remember lying there in bed
I overheard him pop the question
And prayed that she'd say yes

And then all of a sudden
Oh, it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something's missing to a family
Lookin' back, all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

I met the girl that's now my wife about three years ago
We had the perfect marriage
But we wanted somethin' more
Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends
Crowded 'round the nursery window
As they bring the baby in

And now all of a sudden
It seemed so strange to me
How we've gone from something's missing to a family
Lookin' through the glass, I think about the man
That's standin' next to me
And I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

Lookin' back, all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

Yeah, I hope that I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be
Because he didn't have to be
You know he didn't have to be