Lyric

Two more nights to cross, then the amusement park

A little girl inside me just can’t wait

On colored paper, a daddy I’ve never met

So kind, so strong, so cool — that’s what I’d say

What kind of man will my new daddy be?

Will he ride the carousel with me?

Please, hurry up, Sunday, come my way

But Saturday night, the girl caught a cold

The fever climbed to forty, burning high

Mama said, “Tomorrow, we can’t go anymore”

And the tears just wouldn’t dry

Worn out from crying

She slipped into a dream

From the drawing paper

That wonderful dad stepped out to me

Side by side, we rode the spinning ride

The colors melted, swirling into one

Like mixing paints, like magic begun

And suddenly, I’m in a wedding dress

I wake to the sound of splashing water

Rubbing my eyes, I turn around

A bear-like man wrings out a towel

Says, “You’re okay — your fever’s gone now”

With a gentle smile, a tender voice

From that day on, always, always

Thank you for raising me

He’s not as strong as Dad once was

Not quite as reliable, it’s true

But I’ve decided —

This is the man I choose

Always leaning forward

Walking on ahead

When I stop and look back

So far behind me now

Every time I remember

My gentle dad is there

Smiling at me

No matter when

From that day on, always, always

Thank you for protecting me

Thank you