My Orphan Year

My father had dementia

He lied in bed for months

Once in a while he'd call me

And ask me to fly down

I told him that I'd love to

But I had things to do

And so he died without his son

I heard about it drunk after a show



My mother battled cancer

For over seven years

I nursed her and I held her

When time was running out

The night before she left me

I drank scotch all night

And thanked her for everything she'd done

Raising me alone wasn't much fun



Dad I can forgive you,

but I'll never forget,

Months I wouldn't see you and when I did

You'd be out with your friends all night

Alone and only nine

I watched the outer limits

And scared out of my mind

I wonder if you felt the same

The days before you died

I wonder if you even knew

Why I wouldn't come around

I bet if you had been there,

There wouldn't be this song



2006 goodbye parents

For once I am sincere

2006 my orphan year