Back when

I was a child

before life removed

all the innocence

my father

would lift me high

and dance with

my mother

and me and then
spin me around

till I fell asleep

then up the stairs
he would carry me

and I knew for sure

I was loved

if I could get another

chance

another walk
another dance with him

I'd play a song
that would never,
ever end
how I'd love,
love, love

to dance with

my father again

Ooh, ooh

when I
and my mother

would disagree

to get my way

I would run from her
to him

he'd make me laugh

just to comfort me,

yeah, yeah

then finally
make me do
just what my mama said

later that night
when I was asleep

he left a dollar

under my sheet

never dreamed
that he would

be gone from me

if I could steal
one final glance

one final step,

one final dance
with him

I'd play
a song
that would never,
ever end

'cause I'd love,
love, love
to dance with my father again

sometimes I'd listen
outside her door
and I'd hear
her, mama cryin'
for him

I pray
for her

even more
than me

I pray
for her

even more
than me

I know
I'm prayin'

for much too much
but could you
send back

the only man
she loved

I know You
don't do
it usually

but dear Lord,
she's dyin'

to dance with

my father again

every night

I fall asleep
and this

is all I ever dream.

Song performed by

Luther Vandross