Standard (EADGBE)

Intro

 On a plane to the West Coast, laptop on my tray

Papers spread across my seat, a big deadline to make

An older man sitting next to me said, "Sorry to intrude,

Thirty years ago my busy friend, I was you.

I made a ton of money and I climbed up the ladder,

Yeah, I was superman, not what does it matter.

Chorus

 I missed the first steps my daughter took

 The time my son played Captain Hook in 'Peter Pan'

 I was in New York, said 'Sorry son, Dad has to work'

I missed the father daughter dance

 The first home run, no second chance

 To be there when he crossed the plate

 The moment's gone now it's too late

Fame and fortune come with a heavy price

 Son, don't miss your life."

Funny you should say that, I was sitting at the gate

 My daughter called, she made straight A's and they're off to celebrate.

Scrolling through the pictures of my little family

 My daughter with her mom and friends, not a single one with me.

They know I love 'em, I know they know I care

The truth is half the time, I'm not even there.

Chorus

 I missed our fourth and fifth anniversary

 Our girl was early by a week

 Her sister had to hold her hand

 I was in L.A., she said "I understand"

I missed her first day of school

Then what kind of crazy fool

 Lets such precious moments pass

 We all know time goes way too fast

Hold on tight ‘cause it don't happen twice

 Don't miss your life.

When I get off this plane, I'll buy a turn-around ticket

Saturday's her eighth birthday and I'm not gonna miss it

 There'll be balloons and birthday cake

 And I'll clean up the mess they make

 My mom and dad are drivin' in

 I haven't seen 'em in God knows when

 My wife will probably say to me

 "I thought you were supposed to be in Portland

 For a few more days", I'll take her in my arms and say

 "I heard some words that hit me hard last night,

G---

A man said: 'Don't miss your life'."