Lyrics

Rocking chair creaks in the morning light
Holding her boy through a restless night
First day of school, a new backpack
She whispers, "Mama’s coming right back"
Holds him close, hears his heartbeat pound
Says, "I'm so proud of you right now"
He takes one step; she lets him go
As he runs on through that classroom door

You gotta know when to hold 'em
When to let 'em run
When to pull 'em a little bit closer
When their world is comin' undone
Know when to lead and when to step away
Trust the Lord to guide 'em on their way
Learning every day to let 'em go
And still know
When to hold 'em

Teen years come with a set of keys
Slamming her door with a "Let me be"
Taillights fade down the old two-lane
Dad checks in 'cause it's getting late
Bites his tongue, won't lay down the law
Thanks the Lord when he hears that car
She walks through the door with a broken heart
He holds her close while she falls apart

You gotta know when to hold 'em
When to let 'em run
When to pull 'em a little bit closer
When their world is comin' undone
Know when to lead and when to step away
Trust the Lord to guide 'em on their way
Learning every day to let 'em go
And still know
When to hold 'em

Moving boxes, one stray shoe
Clean sheets on beds they don't use
Can't tuck 'em in, they're not here
Every night they're covered in prayer

You gotta know when to hold 'em
When to let 'em run
When to pull 'em a little bit closer
When their world is comin' undone
Know when to lead and when to step away
Trust the Lord to guide 'em on their way
Learning every day to let 'em go
And still know
When to hold 'em
When to hold 'em