Keep It Between The Lines

(album: Backroads - 1991)

He was sitting beside me in the passenger seat
As I looked through the windshield at the quiet little street
He was smiling so proud as he gave me the key
But inside, I knew he was as nervous as me

And I said, daddy, oh daddy, are you sure I know how
Are you sure that I'm ready to drive this car now
He said, I'm right here beside you, and you're gonna do fine
All you gotta do is keep it between the lines

'Cause it's a long narrow road
Only the good Lord knows where it leads in the end, but you got to begin
So, keep your hands on the wheel, believe in the things that are real
Just take your time, and keep it between the lines

I was sitting in my chair and sneaking a look at him
Lying on the floor with his coloring book
Then he caught me watching, and he climbed on my knee
He said, daddy, oh daddy, would you do one with me

Then I hugged him so tightly as we turned the page
Said, I haven't done this since I was your age
He said, I'm right here beside you, and you're gonna do fine
Daddy, all you gotta do is keep it between the lines

So we finished the picture, and I put him to bed
Got down on my knees and I bowed my head
And I said, father, oh father, I feel so alone
Are you sure I can raise him with his mommy gone

Then the answer came back so gentle and low
And words of my daddy from so long ago
Said, I'm right here beside you, and you're gonna do fine
All you gotta do is keep it between the lines

So keep your hands on the wheel, believe in the things that are real
Take your time, and keep it between the lines
Just take your time, and keep it between the lines
Just take your time, and keep it between the lines