When days were bright, and I was young
You’d talk to me, say, “Hey, my son
The world only gets colder as you age”
Now so many nights have led me here
Thinking ’bout the things I fear
When will I finally get some fucking rest?
And just like whiskey going down
My throat burns just to speak out loud
Why cannot I not clear my own damn head?
But I’m alright, I’m okay
I will always be the man you raised
I know it’s hard on the darkest days
But the moon could never steal your son away
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
All my love is set in stone
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, whoa
And if I die, you get my throne
I’m sorry for the time I spent
On my own in this trench
I know it kills you that I am alone
But the boys out here won’t let me die
And if it was my final night
I’d talk to you until I could not speak
Then with minutes left I’d crack a joke
Tell you about the songs I wrote
And pray that they live long after my time
But I’m alright, I’m okay
I will always be the man you raised
I know it’s hard on the darkest days
But the moon will never steal your son away
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
All my love is set in stone
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, whoa
And if I die, you get my throne
‘Cause I’m alright, I’m okay
I will always be the man you raised
I know it’s hard on the darkest days
But the moon can never steal your son away
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
All my love is set in stone
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, whoa
And if I die, you get my throne
Reflections of Fatherhood and Legacy
“Man You Raised” by Sam Barber is a heartfelt exploration of the bond between father and son, woven through themes of vulnerability, resilience, and inherited strength. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man navigating the challenges of adulthood while holding onto the lessons and love passed down by his father. The song’s raw honesty emerges in lines that address exhaustion, fear, and self-doubt, yet the chorus reassures both father and son of an unbreakable connection. Barber’s use of metaphors like whiskey and the moon enriches the emotional landscape, highlighting the struggles of growing up while promising that his father’s influence remains steadfast. Ultimately, the song stands as a tribute to parental guidance, the pain of separation, and the enduring desire to make one’s family proud.
Song Credits
- Artist: Sam Barber
- Songwriter: Sam Barber
- Release Year: 2023