From the recording Let Us Sing
Words and Music by Judy Daigle (c) 2020
Lyrics
What It Takes To Be a Man
Daddy would come home from the factory each day
He was tired and dirty but had a smile on his face
Took his boots off on the porch, then gave Ma a kiss
He’d wash and change for supper, then call for us kids
Weekends were for tinkering out in the garage
Dad could fix most anything out there in his shop
I’d go out to help him and learned so much more
than how to fix a Chevy, and how to hang a door
Work hard, mind your manners. Don’t taint the family name
Be on time, learn to listen, treat everyone the same
Admit it when you’re wrong and always lend a hand
Daddy always showed us what it takes to be a man
Dad treated Ma like a queen, their love shined so bright
He never took for granted that she joined him in his life
We were given chores to do, he was strict but he was fair
He would always be there and showed us that he cared
Work hard, mind your manners. Don’t taint the family name
Be on time, learn to listen, treat everyone the same
Admit it when you’re wrong and always lend a hand
Daddy always showed us what it takes to be a man
He’s been gone for several years now but I see him in my son
in the way that he’s raising his two boys
This family legacy will be carried on. I can almost hear my Daddy’s voice
Work hard, mind your manners. Don’t taint the family name
Be on time, learn to listen, treat everyone the same
Admit it when you’re wrong and always lend a hand
Daddy always showed us what it takes to be a man
Work hard, mind your manners. Don’t taint the family name
Be on time, learn to listen, treat everyone the same
Admit it when you’re wrong and always lend a hand
Daddy always showed us what it takes to be a man
Oh, Daddy always showed us what it takes to be a man