Story Behind The Song

Steve was literally in a coffee shop when a man who looked like his father (who had died 10 years before) walked in.

Song Description

A son's imaginary conversation with his long-departed father leads to revelation and emotional freedom.

Lyrics

Coffee with Leo

Words & Music by Steve & Sue McConnell

I was sitting in a coffee shop when a man walked through the door
He looked sort of like my father who had died ten years before
and I wondered what it might be like if that really were my dad
so I closed my eyes and here?s the conversation that we had

?How you doing son??

I think I?m fine, dad. How are you? You?ve been on my mind.

?Well son I think I might have had myself a breakthrough
if you have the time I?d love to pass it on to you.?

he said, ?I know he didn?t mean to but your grand-dad took my childhood to his grave
when I was eight,
and I spent my whole life choking on that emptiness and fearing it?s too late
like it?s too late to write that novel, there?s a wife and kids to feed
compromise and grovel so the company meets our needs

but you should know that you kids weren?t my problem,
the truth is you were really more the answer to my prayers
and now I see the time I squandered being near you though I really wasn?t there.
As a kid I watched my father being lowered to his grave
but what you saw was my defenses -- disengaging made me safe...

And Stephen it?s ok that you?ve been angry.
Darlin? I don?t blame you ? but I think it?s changing you,
so would you learn one lesson from your dad before I go?
Trying to change your past won?t heal your soul
and you?re much too young to feel so old.?

I don?t know how long I sat there and I?m not sure why I cried.
Was I still angry at my father or sad because he died,
or maybe starting to believe that I could make his breakthrough mine
and like this paper cup of coffee ? we could leave the cold black things behind?


 2002, 2003 Steve & Sue McConnell, All Rights Reserved