Karaoké Living Years (with the SWR Big Band) Paul Carrack

Every generation blamed the one before

And all of their frustration come beating on your door

I know that I'm a prisoner to all my father held so dear

I know that I'm a hostage to all his hopes and fears

I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper filled with imperfect thoughts

Stilted conversation

I'm afraid that's all we've got

You say you just don't see it

He said it's perfect sense

Just can't get agreement in this present tense

We all talk a different language

Talking in defense

Well say it loud

Say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

Well it's too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel between the present and the past

We only sacrifice the future

It's the bitterness that lasts

But don't yield to the fortune you sometimes see as fate

You may have a new perspective on a different day

If you don't give up and don't give in you may just be okay

Say it loud

Say it clear

'Cos you can listen as well as you hear

Well it's too late when we die

To admit that we don't see eye to eye

Well I wasn't there that morning when my father passed away

And I didn't get to tell him all the things

I had to say

But I think I caught his spirit later that same year

I'm sure I heard an echo in my baby's new born tears

But I wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud

Say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

'Cos it's too late when we die

To admit that we don't see eye to eye