The Game

Verse 1 I remember that backyard dust, His old glove, summer rust, You'd say "keep your eye on the ball, son, don't blink." But that leather came in too fast, I would flinch and step back, And you'd shake your head, then go grab a drink. Pre-Chorus I tried to hide my fear with a grin, But every time I missed, you grabbed the gin. Chorus I struck out more times than I care to say, Tryin' to earn your time, tryin' to make you stay. While my best friend's dad laced my glove that day, Put a catcher's mask on me, said "don't shy away." Yeah, you weren't there — but I learned all the same, I might not have you, but I still have the game. Verse 2 It wasn't just the pitch that made me freeze, It was the hit I'd take if I didn't please. A man can swing at ghosts for years, When love's a lesson taught through fear. And I learned quick to read the sound — Not just the ball, but anger comin' 'round. Pre-Chorus I tried to hide my fear with a grin, But I knew the real hit came from him. Chorus I struck out more times than I care to say, Tryin' to earn your time, tryin' to make you stay. While my best friend's dad laced my glove that day, Put a catcher's mask on me, said "don't shy away." Yeah, you weren't there - but I learned all the same, I might not have you, but I still have the game. Verse 3 He showed up every Saturday, Taught me how to square and play, Said "fear's just the wind before you swing." And with that old gear strapped on tight, I found courage with all of my might, Staring down the pitch - I could finally SEE. Pre-Chorus That sometimes a father's face, Ain't the one that shares your name. Chorus I struck out more times than I care to say, Tryin' to earn your time, tryin' to make you stay. While my best friend's dad laced my glove that day, Put a catcher's mask on me, said "don't shy away." Yeah, you weren't there - but I learned all the same, I might not have you, but I still have the game. Bridge Now when life throws one inside, I don't flinch, I stand and drive. Every bruise, every scar - it taught me to stay, You can't choose your past, but you can choose your play. Chorus I struck out more times than I care to say, Tryin' to earn your time, tryin' to make you stay. While my best friend's dad laced my glove that day, Put a catcher's mask on me, said "don't shy away." Yeah, you weren't there — but I learned all the same, I might not have you, but I still have the game. Outro I hit home runs now when I face my fear, Still smell the grass, still hear the cheer. You might've missed it, but I made my name — 'Cause I might not have you, ...but I still have the game.