One Wing in the Fire
A Father's Unseen Halo: One Wing in the Fire
Lyrics
Daddy's been a back-row Baptist
Daddy has been a member of a less prominent congregation.
With his share of front-row sin
Despite being part of a less visible position in the church, he's had his share of significant wrongdoings.
His Saturday night still on his breath
His actions from Saturday nights, possibly indicating his indulgence or sinful behavior, are still evident in his breath on Sundays.
Every Sunday when he'd walk in
Every Sunday, when he enters the church.
He's never led the Benediction
He has never taken the lead in concluding the church service.
He's never sang in the choir
He has never participated as a singer in the church choir.
But he's an angel with no halo
Despite his flaws, he's a good person at heart, akin to an angel without the traditional symbols of purity.
And one wing in the fire
He's balancing between his goodness and the consequences of his actions, like having one foot in trouble.
Mama lives by the Bible
Mom strictly follows the teachings of the Bible.
The Bible lives by the bed
The Bible is kept close to her while she sleeps.
And she's lied alone so many nights
She has spent many nights alone contemplating scriptures.
With scriptures in her head
Praying for God's presence with her husband.
Prayin', Good Lord, just be with him
Asking for support despite his weakened faith.
I know his faith is tired
Recognizing his struggle with faith.
But he's an angel with no halo
Similar to earlier, acknowledging his goodness despite imperfections.
And one wing in the fire
Reiterating his balance between goodness and trouble.
And I know he lives a little left of livin' right
He lives life not strictly conforming to conventional moral standards.
And he's come close to goin' way too far a few times
He's been very close to crossing the line between acceptable behavior and excess several times.
But I'd trade a thousand prayers if just one prayer would come true
The singer expresses willingness to exchange numerous prayers for just one to be answered, pleading for God's belief in the father.
Lord, please believe in him, like I believe in you
An appeal to God to have faith in the father just as the singer believes in God.
Daddy's always been there for me
Throughout the singer's life, the father has always been supportive.
From T-Ball to touchdowns
From childhood sports to emotional support, he has been there.
Fixed my car and fixed my heart
He's helped fix the singer's physical and emotional troubles.
When they've been broken down
During tough times.
I know he calls for more forgiveness
He seeks forgiveness more frequently than most people.
Than most folks do require
More than the usual expectations for forgiveness.
But he's an angel with no halo
Similar to before, highlighting his goodness despite imperfections.
And one wing in the fire
Reiterating his balance between goodness and trouble.
And I know he lives a little left of livin' right
Reiterating his deviation from traditional moral standards.
And he's come close to goin' way too far a few times
Emphasizing his close encounters with excessive behavior.
But I'd trade a thousand prayers if just one prayer would come true
The singer reiterates the desire for God's belief in the father through prayers.
Lord, please believe in him, like I believe in you
Asking for God's faith in the father, mirroring the singer's faith in God.
Well, I just can't imagine
The singer struggles to imagine the scenario in Heaven.
What Heaven might be like
Reflecting on the potential absence of the father in Heaven.
If me and mama make it
The singer and mother's potential entry into Heaven without the father.
Without daddy by our side
Expressing concern about being in Heaven without the father.
Lord, could you please remember
A request to God to remember the father when calling them to Heaven.
When it's time to call us higher
Asking for the father to be considered when their time comes to join Heaven.
That he's an angel with no halo
Reiterating the father's goodness despite imperfections.
And one wing in the fire
His precarious position between good and trouble.
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