Song Description

A storytelling folk tune about a man standing at the grave of his future wife's father asking for his consent in marriage. A song about tradition and respect.

Lyrics

I can never know if you'd approve of me
But I'm here to ask you just the same
I've been walking row by row
Searching for your name

They tell me you sang just like me
But you never cared to make it big
A family man whose dream in life
Was his wife and his kids

I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife
And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die

I will give her everything I have
The Lord knows that ain't much
I'd buy her expensive things
But she don't care about that stuff

And I'm not schooled in politics
I just don't give a damn about all that
But I've got ambition, I've got this guitar
And I got the clothes on my back

I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife
And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die

I talked to your kids this morning
Everyone is safe and okay
Mary's still in school
And Mathew has another baby on the way

And I wish that you were still around
Your wife says we'd get along just fine
You know after all these years
You're still always on her mind

I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife
And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die

I know you can't walk her down the aisle
And you can't place her hand in mine
But I know that you'll be with us
When we hear those wedding bells chime

So I brought you an invitation
Along with some flowers from the bride
You know she'd give anything
To still have you by her side

And that's why I'm here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife
And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die, oh I will, Love her 'til the day I die
I promise I will, love her 'til the day I die