The Trade

[Verse 1]
That '98 Chevy was his pride and joy Bought it brand new when I was just a boy Taught me how to drive on the gravel bend Said that truck was his only friend Then the acceptance letter came in the mail Tuition was high, and he looked kinda pale Next day the driveway was empty and bare He walked in the house and he didn't care

[Chorus]
He said the transmission was slipping anyway Said he was tired of the bills he had to pay But I saw him pat the dashboard one last time Wiping away the years and the grime He traded the steel for a future of gold The greatest story that he never told Yeah, he walked to work so I could fly That's a daddy's love, that's a daddy's lie

[Verse 2]
Four years later I walked across the stage He was sitting in the back, showing his age I handed him the paper, said this is for you He smiled and said, "Son, I always knew" I drove him home in a rental car He looked out the window at a distant star

[Chorus]
He said the transmission was slipping anyway Said he was tired of the bills he had to pay But I saw him pat the dashboard one last time Wiping away the years and the grime He traded the steel for a future of gold The greatest story that he never told Yeah, he walked to work so I could fly That's a daddy's love, that's a daddy's lie

[Bridge]
Now I'm saving up every single dime Gonna find that Chevy, gonna buy back time Bring it to his yard and toss him the keys Say thanks for everything you did for me

[Outro]
Yeah, the transmission is fine, Dad. It runs just fine. Just like you.