He Didn't Have to Be

When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new It always winds 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 I 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 Looking 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 something 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, oh it seems so strange to me How we′ve gone from something's missing to a family Looking through the glass, I think about the man that′s standing next to me And I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn′t have to be And looking 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 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