Three Years Too Long

Three years too long and the house feels cold

I keep your pictures where the old light shows

Mystery birthday, watch the candles burn

Counting every mile while my heart still yearns

My two daughters laughing in a memory frame

My little boy, I still call out your name

I see you growing up through a screen late night

But it ain't the same as holding you tight

I was there in spirit, but it hurts inside

Every step you took, I watched from the other side

If love could build a bridge, I'd cross it tonight

And never leave your arms again out of sight

Three years too long to be away from my baby

Three years too long and it's breaking me lately

I wanna kiss your tears and hear you say my name

Hold you close to my chest and make up for the pain

Three years too long, but I'm holding on

Praying for the day I can bring it back home

Back to your laughter, back where I belong

Three years too long

But my love stays strong

I saved every drawing, every school day

Rhythm in the quiet when I can't stay afloat

Miss the little moments, the first steps, the songs

All the tiny years that were gone for so long

And I know I failed in the ways that mattered most

Carry my regret like a broken ghost

But if you let me in, I'll spend my life

Making every dawn right by your side

My voice is shaking, my eyes are full

I've been half a father and it feels so cool

So let me come home and lay down this weight

I'll be there for forever if it's not too late

Three years too long to be away from my baby

Three years too long and it's breaking me lately

I wanna kiss your tears and hear you say my name

Hold you close to my chest

Then wake up for the pain

Three years too long

But I'm holding on

Praying for the day I can rent it back home

Back to your laughter

Back where I belong

Three years too long

But my love

Stay strong

When I see your faces

Every scar will heal

All I ever wanted

Was to love you for real

Free is too long

Now I'm reaching through the dark

Following your footprints

Back to my heart