Story Behind The Song
I wrote this song when my father was hospitalized after heart failure and expected to live only a few days or weeks. I played the song for him in his hospital bed, and of course he had to call in all the doctors and nurses that were around. He went on to live to more years, just to make sure everyone he knew heard the song his son wrote for him.
Song Description
Recalling the days of youth, when Dad was more than just a Dad, he was a boy's best friend.
Song Length |
3:57 |
Genre |
Country - Traditional |
Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Subject |
Long, Teachers |
Language |
English |
Lyrics
He Was My Hero Then
Lyrics and Music by Mark E. Ellis
1. Saturday morning and it?s time again
To spend the day with my best friend
My Dad, my hero, I could hardly wait,
Baseball to play, neighborhood walks to take.
Gave me my first bike when I was too small
Showed me the world, said I could have it all.
Family vacations, took us everywhere
When I needed him he was always there.
Ch. He was my hero then,
The man who somehow knew everything,
Gave my world meaning,
Made time to be my special friend,
He was my hero then.
2. Wrestling matches on the living room floor
Sometimes he'd hurt me but I came back for more.
I didn?t cry, I wouldn?t let the tears show.
I was a big boy, he told me so.
Practicing wind-ups out in our backyard.
I was no pitcher but he tried so hard
To make me into things I thought I never could be.
It seems he lived his dreams through me.
Repeat chorus
Br. My world was his world and his world was mine.
Each Saturday seemed to last a lifetime.
Planting a garden, fishing at the old pond.
Watching Red Skelton when the day was done.
3. Teaching me lessons I would never forget
Preaching wisdom, some I haven?t learned yet.
Letting me know it was all for my good.
Warning of wrongs he did so I never would.
Well, Dad, I guess it?s time for me to say thanks.
You gave me courage and you gave me confidence.
You gave the world to me, said it was all mine.
But mostly, Dad, you always gave me your time.
Ch. You were my hero then,
The man who somehow knew everything,
Gave my world meaning,
Made the time to be my special friend,
You were my hero then.
And Dad, you?re my hero now.