The Child You Never Knew

I never felt a fathers smile

On the day that i was born 

I didn't know the fear of you 

Of that, i wasn't shown 

The years went by, and still...

I'd hadn't held a fathers hand

But now the father that i am

Will never understand

For here i was, your new born son 

A fathers pride and joy 

Did you ever see, the good in me 

Your little baby boy 

Now here i am, that child a man 

A man that's proud and true 

And nothing, that i've done in life 

Is any thanks to you

Yet now I'm old, i find myself

Forgiving you at last 

As somethings changed within my heart 

Your hurt is long my past 

And if you hear, i even thank you 

For all you didn't do 

As here i stand, a better man 

The child you never knew 

My children, they are beautiful 

In truth, i have to say 

Without you, i'd have never had

The joy that came my way  

And one day, in the years ahead 

I will meet you once again 

And i will stand before you

As a son without your shame 

As your neglect was pitiful 

Yet made the man in me 

And all the things you never were

Was what i came to be