Lyrics

I remember your tiny hands
Wrapped tight around my thumb
You were sugar and sunshine
Before the hard days came
You hid the mud upon your jeans
With that crooked, busted grin
I tried to guide you gently
When the wildness kicked in

I was trying to save you
From the doors you kept opening
Every bruise and every heartbreak
I thought I was loving you
But you kept moving further away

Sweet child of mine
Come back to me
Sweet child of mine
I still believe
I was hard on you
Though my heart was true
Sweet child of mine
I'm still here for you

Then came the nights of fighting
Broken curfews, tears, and fear
All the plans we had imagined
Falling farther every year
You grew tall and angry
With a hurt I couldn't reach
I kept trying hard to help you
But our love broke out of speech

Now the years stand between us
And the silence feels like stone
I apologized with all my heart
But you left to make your own

Sweet child of mine
Come back to me
Sweet child of mine
I still believe
I was hard on you
Though my heart was true
Sweet child of mine
I'm still here for you

Now you have children
Small hands, bright eyes
And I'm looking in
From the outside
I don't ask for perfection
I don't need to be right
Just leave a little doorway
For us to try again tonight

Sweet child of mine
Come back to me
Sweet child of mine
We still believe
I was hard on you
And I hurt you too
Sweet child of mine
I'm still here loving you

Sweet child of mine
If you ever need
A place to land
A place to breathe
Sweet child of mine
No matter where you've been
I'll be here waiting
To let you in