The autumn leaves are gold and brown
They fall just like they used to
The old porch swing still makes a sound
When the wind comes blowing through
But there’s a quiet in this house
A space that I can’t fill
I keep looking for your face
Standing by the windowsill

Oh, Papa, I still miss your call
The sound of your old, rusty keys
I’d trade the stars and I’d trade them all
Just to stand beneath your sheltering trees
They say that time is supposed to heal
But the clock just seems to stall
And the emptiest chair at the dinner table
Is the hardest thing of all

I wish you could see me now
wish you could meet the man I’m loving
I look for your approving nod
Every time I’m truly struggling
I remember when I learned to drive
Your hand upon my shoulder You said
“Keep your eyes on the road, child,”
As I was getting older

Oh, Papa, I still miss your call
The sound of your old, rusty keys
I’d trade the stars and I’d trade them all
Just to stand beneath your sheltering trees
They say that time is supposed to heal
But the clock just seems to stall
And the emptiest chair at the dinner table
Is the hardest thing of all

Sometimes the sky looks just like you
A deep and endless blue
And I know a part of your strength
Is running in my blood too
You taught me how to be brave
You showed me how to stand
But who do I run to now
When I need a guiding hand?

Oh, Papa, I still miss your call
The sound of your old, rusty keys
I’d trade the stars and I’d trade them all
Just to stand beneath your sheltering trees
They say that time is supposed to heal
But the clock just seems to stall
And the emptiest chair at the dinner table
Is the hardest thing of all

Yeah, the emptiest chair...
I just wish you were here...
Goodnight, my beautiful Papa...