The Living Years

Every generation blames the one before

And all of their frustrations come beating on your door

I know that I'm a prisoner to all my father held so dear

I know that I'm a hostage to all his hopes and fears

I just wish I could've told him in the living years



Oh, crumpled bits of paper filled with imperfect thoughts

Stilted conversations I'm afraid that's all we've got

You say you just don't see it he says it's perfect sense

You just can't get agreement in this present tense

We all talk a different language, talking in defense



Say it loud, say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

It's too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye



So we open up a quarrel between the present and the past

We only sacrifice the future it's the bitterness that lasts

So don't yield to the fortunes you sometimes see as fate

It may have a new perspective on a different day

And if you don't give up and don't give in, you may just be okay



Say it loud, say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

It's too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye



I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away

I didn't get to tell him all the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit later that same year

I'm sure I heard his echo in my baby's new born tears

I just wish I could have told him in the living years



Say it loud, say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

It's too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye



Say it loud, say it clear

Say it loud, say it clear

Say it loud, say it clear

Say it loud