Reminiscing in the kitchen, daddy lights a cigarette I just sit and listen, cuz I know he forgets He tells me this same story every time I come back here But in his mind, it's the first time, and his eyes get so clear When he says "Son, I served my Country Raised my boys to be men Sat in a pew each Sunday And I married my best friend I remember watching you kids play Just like it was yesterday But I can't remember yesterday So when I'm gone, remember me The way I used to be" He said, "that mirror, she's a liar, cuz that ain't really me I'm a hard-ass, working class, coach of your little league I could show you houses these hands built if I could just still drive I may not look much like him now, but don't forget that guy Cuz son I served my Country Raised my boys to be men Sat in a pew each Sunday Married my best friend I remember high school football games Just like they were yesterday But I can't remember yesterday So when I'm gone, remember me The way I used to be" So I smile like I haven't heard all this before And I pray I get to hear it a thousand times more When he says... "Son, I served my Country Raised my boys to be men Sat in a pew each Sunday Married my best friend I remember 1988 Just like it was yesterday I just can't remember yesterday So when I'm gone, remember me The way I used to be"