Fix You

I suppose when you are a parent you think about things a little harder, and a little longer. Perhaps that's not true for everyone, but it certainly has been true for me since my daughter arrived in my life almost twelve years ago. Things that once wouldn't have meant much suddenly take on new meaning. For me it's often song lyrics. There is one song in particular that always makes me think of her. I would like to share it with you, dear friends, and explain why it touches me so deeply.

When I listen to the lyrics for "Fix You" it brings me to tears almost every time. The lyrics speak of our feelings when we experience unrequited love, and when we fail. They speak of times we feel lost and alone. They speak of pain and sorrow. They also speak, though, of a light that guides us home to the people who can "fix you". I suppose these lyrics sing to me because my parents were that guiding light for me. They couldn't fix the world for me. They couldn't make that callous boy like me, or get me the job from the employer that had rejected me. What they could do, though, and what they did do, was love me and have faith in me. That love and faith was the the guiding light that led me home when I felt defeated and alone. They were always there with their love and support, ready to fix me in whatever way they could. And every time they patched me up enough to give me the strength and courage I needed to go out and face the world again.

I don't claim to be able, or to want, to fix the world for my daughter. I cannot protect her from the stones the world (and, sadly, those who inhabit it) will throw at her. What I hope she always knows, though, is that I am here. I hope she sees my love and faith in her as a light to guide her home in times of need. I hope I can be for her what my parents were for me. They couldn't always fix my world, but, when I needed it most, they could fix me.

To my daughter : I will always be here, whenever you need me, ready and waiting, to fix you. I love you.

"Fix You"

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I...

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you