Before the Flowers

I don't, I don't know what the future holds
But there's a decent chance I'll have to watch you go
Before the flowers, Before the tears and sad goodbyes
I just had to take the time to let you know
You stand alone, apart from every man I've known
Not just in the things you've said, it's what you've shown
There is no excuse when the work is there to do
And an honest day would reap an honest wage

You worked your fingers down to the bone
Took your chances, and you held your own
You did it with integrity
I can't seem to find the words to thank you
For the life you gave to me

Take it back to the simplicity of youth
Walk through the groves of trees and up the quiet streets
Reconnect with the person that you were
Watch as the steps you take manifest destiny

You are a hero to your wife and kids
In everything you ever did
Your love was always plain to see
I can't seem to find the words to thank you
For the life you gave to me

Headed out through the channel storm in our fourteen foot little skiff
Pushing through the driving rain, the waves crashing down like a fist
The skipper brings the throttle down
He'll keep us safe, he always finds a way
We make our way through the canyon walls
Find reprieve from the terrible waves

You worked your fingers down to the bone
Took your chances, and you held your own
You did it with integrity
I can't seem to find the words to thank you
For the life you gave to me