Unexpected Change

Umpire got sick so he said he'd give it a try
There was my Dad callin' them balls and strikes
I can still here the crack of that bat
I'd never got hold of one like that
I was roundin' second when the third base coach
Took a big chance and waved me home
I'm pretty sure the ball touched me
Before I touched the plate
But when it's your son
That's a hard call to make

For the most part I think I made him proud
But there was one night I know I let him down
I'd known them boys all of my life
I should'a known better than to take that ride
He said that's why he was bringin' me in
He handed me that phone and said, “Sorry son”
Everybody makes mistakes
But when it's your Dad
That's a hard call to make

It's not as easy as wrong or right
And it ain't always black and white
Life's a thousand shades of gray

He had a plan for just about everything
He'd made it known that if this day ever came
That he had lived a good long life
And he had always fought the good fight
So when the doctor said, “It's up to you”
I knew what I had to do
I read the form, picked up the pen
As my hand began to shake
But when it's your Dad
That's a hard call to make

It's not as easy as wrong or right
And it ain't always black and white
Life's a thousand shades of gray