by Alex Wilson
Album
Shadows & Light
Year
2025
Genre
Americana/Country/Singer-Songwriter
Duration
4:15
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.
Notes
Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (fingerpicked intro), lead vocals, subtle bass guitar, light drums (brush strokes on snare in verses, building to full kit in choruses), pedal steel guitar (for added emotional texture), and background harmonies. Tempo: Moderate, around 70-75 BPM. Key: G Major. Mood: Reflective, melancholic, but ultimately hopeful and empowering. The song should start with a very intimate feel, just voice and acoustic guitar, then slowly build in intensity as the song progresses. The bridge should have a noticeable lift in energy, signaling a turning point. The outro should fade out slowly, leaving the listener with a sense of resolution. Pedal steel could add a mournful harmony line in the intro and pre-chorus. The drums can start with a simple bass drum and brushed snare pattern to add a heartbeat feel. Background harmonies could come in on the second half of the chorus, adding depth and support to the lead vocal. For live performances, encourage Alex Wilson to connect with the raw emotion of the song. A small string section would also enhance the song, especially during the bridge and outro.