I wrote the original version of this song’s lyrics on a flight to San Francisco. It is my attempt at capturing and telling the story of my dad’s life. Music was a common bond, and some of the lyrics reflect the centrality of music in our relationship. I tried to capture aspects of his heritage, his early family life, his Army days, his days as a father, and eventually his death. While much of my dad’s life was pretty messy I was blessed to be his son. I believe in the midst of the chaos and confusion he was able give us a better life than he had, and for that I am thankful. I have concluded that it was in fact a beautiful mess.
Verse 1
Just a boy who didn’t fit in
Not the right kind of skin
Born on the wrong side of luck
When it came to his old man’s love
A broken place
Far from a beautiful mess
Verse 2
Just a boy given a gun
Had no where else to run
Tryin’ to make his own luck
Searchin’ for someone to love
A distant place
No closer to a beautiful mess
Chorus
No one in the stands
Had to learn to be a man
Within the sounds of silence
Kept on keepin’ on down
The long winding road home
Running against the wind
Standing on that shore
Did he wonder was there more
To life, this empty life
Verse 3
Just a man who went his own way
Had a family’s debt to pay
Three born on the side of luck
When it came to their old man’s love
From brokenness
This life a beautiful mess
Chorus
No one in the stands
Had to learn to be a man
Within the sounds of silence
Kept on keepin’ on down
The long winding road home
Running against the wind
Standing on that shore
Did he wonder was there more
To life, this ending life
Verse 4
The leader of the band is gone
My life is still his song
Written on this heart and soul
A father’s love still remains
This life
Made new
Made new
This beautiful mess