Track 7 of the album Second Wind Motel · 2012
Back Row at the Commencement
“I drove all night in a dusty hat to see my niece graduate and sat in the back row, shirt ironed twice. Proudest I've ever been in a folding chair.”
rock ballad · heartland rock · family ballad · 4:02
Lyrics
I drove all night in a dusty hat Shirt ironed twice, still looks like that Slipped in late to the gymnasium door Found a seat in the back row, by the floor They read the names in alphabetical rows I wait for the one that I know She never knew I'd make the trip I never said I would, I just got in That's my girl, in the cap and gown Walking across, never looking down I didn't finish what I started at her age But she's turning a brand-new page That's my girl, and I'm proud somehow Forty hours on the road this week Never missed a mile, never missed a beat I was the one who always left Now I'm the one who showed up, yes That's my girl, in the cap and gown Walking across, never looking down I didn't finish what I started at her age But she's turning a brand-new page That's my girl, and I'm proud somehow She finds me in the crowd, her eyes go wide I tip my hat and I step aside Some things don't need a word or two Just a man in the back row, seeing you That's my girl, in the cap and gown Walking across, never looking down I didn't finish what I started at her age But she's turning a brand-new page That's my girl, and I'm proud somehow That's my girl I'm proud somehow