What dad Left Behind
Alex Wilson
Description
A powerful and emotional Americana/Country ballad about overcoming a difficult childhood and the legacy of an abusive father. "What Dad Left Behind" is a song of resilience, forgiveness, and ultimately, freedom. Alex Wilson's raw vocal performance and the song's driving acoustic instrumentation create a deeply moving listening experience.
Lyrics
Verse 1 Your name’s a bruise I wore like a brand, Carved in my bones by your heavy hand. A house full of echoes, a heart full of rust, You left me your anger, but never your trust. Pre-Chorus I walked through your fire, I carried your blame, But I’m done bendin’ under your cursed last name. Chorus A hollow house, a heavy name — I carry your lessons and your shame. But you can’t chain down a storm or a mind — I’m not just what Dad left behind. Verse 2 Your whiskey-soaked rants were my lullaby, Each swing of your fist was a reason to try. I built my own road from the wreckage you made, Turned your broken legacy to a debt I’ve repaid. Pre-Chorus I fought through your darkness, I found my own light, I’m claimin’ my freedom in the dead of the night. Chorus A hollow house, a heavy name — I carry your lessons and your shame. But you can’t chain down a storm or a mind — I’m not just what Dad left behind. Bridge Every scar’s a story, every fight’s a song, I’m stronger for the pain you heaped on so long. Your ghost don’t own me, I’m cuttin’ the ties, I’m risin’ above what Dad left in his lies. I’m breakin’ the mold, I’m changin’ the script, This ain’t your story, it’s my life to grip. Chorus A hollow house, a heavy name — I carry your lessons and your shame. But you can’t chain down a storm or a mind — I’m not just what Dad left behind. Outro (Slow picking: E|-3---3---0---0---| B|-3---3---1---1---| G|-0---0---0---0---| D|-0---0---2---2---| A|-2---2---3---3---| E|-3---3---x---x---| Repeat and Fade) Not just what Dad left behind… I’m free.