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, 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 [ the] 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 how [ my] mother cried for him.

I'd pray for her even [ more] than me.

I'd pray for her even more [ than] me.

I know I'm [ praying] 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 dying to^ dance with my father again.

Every night I fall asleep, and [ this] is all I ever dream.