(Harley Allen/Paul Overstreet)

The first night we brought you home, it scared me half to death.
I stood right beside your crib and counted every breath.
Lookin' at your little face, heaven seemed so close,
It felt all right to ask the Lord for what I want the most.

I wanna be there when you're one,
And you're just learning how to walk.
I wanna be there when you're two,
An' hear the funny ways you talk.
I wanna be there when you're three,
An my wall's covered up with chalk.
My only prayer: I wanna be there.

I'd like to save some money so we could buy a bigger house.
Worked harder at my job to make my family proud.
A million things I've got in mind that I want to do.
God willing, I've got time: that's what I'll give to you.

I wanna be there when you're fifteen,
And you're havin' your first date.
I wanna be there when you're sixteen,
And your heart's had it's first break.
I wanna be there when you're seventeen,
And think that you can't wait.
My only prayer: I wanna be there.

I wanna be there when my little girl.
Was walkin' down the aisle.
I wanna be there, fightin' back the tears,
An' tryin' hard to smile..
I wanna be there with your Momma,
When you're havin' your first child..
My only prayer: I wanna be there.

My only prayer: I wanna be there.