Song For My Father
Sarah McLachlan Lyrics


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How I wish that I could tell you
It's to you that I would run
You were the place that I could always rest my head
When my world had come undone

'Cause I've been wrestling with my demons
Telling me I have no choice
How I wish that I could lean upon you now
Amidst the chaos and the noise

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

You were the well to cool my fury
Deep and calm your waters feel
Your quiet words a salve to soothe my wayward soul
It was there I learned to heal

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

Oh I hope that you can hear me
Through the ravages of time
You have carried me through more than you could know
I still feel your hand in mine

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart





Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

Overall Meaning

The song "Song for My Father" by Sarah McLachlan is a tribute to her father who passed away when she was just nineteen. The lyrics depict a sincere expression of endearment, gratitude, and longing for her father. The first verse expresses how she wishes she could have her father around and how he was a safe haven for her to run to when everything else failed. The second verse is a reflection of how, even though her father is no longer around to guide her, she still hears his comforting voice and feels his presence when times get tough. The bridge conveys a message of hope. She wishes her father could hear her and understand how much he meant to her, even as time passes by. The chorus of the song talks about how her father's unwavering heart has been a constant source of strength and light.


The lyrics of the song are powerful and emotional, and it perfectly captures how much Sarah McLachlan loved and respected her father. The song touches on the pain that comes with losing a loved one and the longing to have them back, even if just for a moment. It is an ode to a person who has been an anchor in her life, someone who helped her heal when she was hurting the most.


Line by Line Meaning

How I wish that I could tell you
I have a strong desire to express my thoughts and feelings to you


It's to you that I would run
You were my safe haven, the place I could always count on in times of need


You were the place that I could always rest my head
You gave me a sense of comfort and security in a chaotic world


When my world had come undone
In times of crisis or despair, you were the one constant in my life


'Cause I've been wrestling with my demons
I have been struggling with my inner conflicts and doubts


Telling me I have no choice
My demons have convinced me that I have no options or control


How I wish that I could lean upon you now
I long for your support and guidance in the midst of chaos and noise


Amidst the chaos and the noise
In the middle of all the confusion and distraction


Your light buried the dark
Your kindness and love conquered the darkness in my life


A constant unwavering heart
Your love and support were a consistent and stable presence in my life


You were the well to cool my fury
You provided a source of calm and tranquility to quell my anger and frustration


Deep and calm your waters feel
Your presence and demeanor gave me a sense of peace and serenity


Your quiet words a salve to soothe my wayward soul
Your words of comfort and reassurance were like a healing balm to my troubled spirit


It was there I learned to heal
Through your love and support, I was able to find healing and peace


Oh I hope that you can hear me
I wish that you were here with me, listening to my words


Through the ravages of time
Despite the passage of time and its effects on us both


You have carried me through more than you could know
You have supported and guided me through difficult times and challenges, even if you don't realize the extent of your impact


I still feel your hand in mine
I still sense your presence and the love and support you gave me


Your light buried the dark
Your love and kindness overcame the darkness in my life


A constant unwavering heart
You were a consistent, steady force in my life that provided love and support




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sarah Ann Mclachlan, Tom Douglas, Matthew B Morris

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@swaralayamm8326

How I wish that I could tell you
It's to you that I would run
You were the place that I could always rest my head
When my world had come undone

'Cause I've been wrestling with my demons
Telling me I have no choice
How I wish that I could lean upon you now
Amidst the chaos and the noise

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

You were the well to cool my fury
Deep and calm your waters feel
Your quiet words a salve to soothe my wayward soul
It was there I learned to heal

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

Oh I hope that you can hear me
Through the ravages of time
You have carried me through more than you could know
I still feel your hand in mine

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

Your light buried the dark
A constant unwavering heart

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Sarah Ann Mclachlan / Tom Douglas / Matthew B Morris



All comments from YouTube:

@karenkayd

My dad gone 7 years today, how I miss him. But he is in my heart always.

@tommygirl6659

It's been just over 2 years now since my Dad died. I was the one who found him. Ironically, I saw Sarah in concert just 20 days later. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see her before the concert, I would have loved to ask her to dedicate this to my Dad, and I have no doubt that she would have. She didn't know it, but my Dad made so many of my Sarah moments/memories, possible. I wish he could have met her, to see the person who was always pushing me to be better, and to love myself. My father was my protector, always. Now that he's gone..... all I have is music and memories to look back on. This song was played at his funeral, as well as Angel, and I will remember you. I love you Dad, and I miss you more than you could know. But I realized today, that I wouldn't take away from you, the way you died- in your sleep, no suffering, no sickness, totally unaware. It was what we all hope and pray for when we think about how we want to die. My 2 service dogs both passed away within 16 months of my Dad, and my only solace, is knowing that they are all together, and that sometime soon, we will all be reunited. Until then, save my seat guys, I miss you, and I'll see you before you know it. Sarah, thank you for all that you have done for me. It won't be forgotten. Just a note, the smile on her face, that is breaking at the end, breaks my heart. I know that smile....

@alisonbarlow7836

I’m going to use this song at my dad’s memorial service.

@mojo2382

Gosh Sarah my Farher too a WWII Veteran lost him in 1983 at the age of 60 years old due to a massive heart ❤️ attackb( MI) He wasn’t at my wedding either and didn’t see me Graduate from Medical School 🏫
How I miss Him! When I watch this video I wept , so meaningful this song! Thank you Sarah helps me to heal too! You’re a Special Lady!

Always a Fan!!

@richardbeauchamp5593

My father meant the whole world to me. When I lost him to cancer in 1991 my heart was broken. I miss you dad look after Tom who went to heaven before you, and Ken who followed in 2009. Ken I hope that you are happy now. R.I. P. Dad, Tom, and Ken

@michaeld.williamsiii9026

It’s been sixteen years since my dad passed, I miss him nearly everyday.... I often still wonder what life would be like, if he was still present. I love you always dad, this is an incredible song. Thank you Sarah...😢🥀🌠 May your dad forever Rest In Peace.

@apbren

Thank you for giving me a pause to think about my father.

@sllanham

My dad was the greatest man I've ever known. It's a shame I never realized that until he was gone. 

@d4914

often sadly how life goes

@IrishgodessAnitaDunnc

I've not yet lost my Daddy but he's terminal and everyday I hold my breath that I make it in time to be with him before he goes.

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