This is about a child striving to preserve his family through prayer.
Songs that are testimonies, spawned by life experiences. Each musical creation is meant to plant the seed of truth and salvation.
Ernest De Waters Jr. Music (ASCAP)
Ernie’s songs are mini sermons and testimonies spawned by life's experiences. His prayer is that each song will be a seed, planting the truth of salvation through Christ.
May God bless you and keep you in His grace.
Sincerely - Ernest DeWaters Jr.
Story behind the song
(True story; fictitious names)
Bobbys mom frequented church services while his dad frequented the bars. Often his dad and mom fought about his drinking and she would demand that he leave. Bobby was too young to understand why his mom sent his dad away and the on and off again relationship. Bobby and his dad had a very special bond.
Bobby heard his mom pray daily for his dad. Every Sunday she asked the congregation at church to pray for her husbands salvation. One day her husband went to church, gave his heart to the Lord, immediately sobered up, and became a model husband and father. While Bobbys mom was ecstatic about the transition in her husband, she couldnt handle the drastic change and their marriage ended in divorce.
I knew this family well and it was difficult to witness their demise. It was hardest for the children, especially for Bobby. I was inspired to write Dont Let Daddy Leave because I saw the love Bobby and his dad shared and the struggle they faced. My prayer is that this song will give pause to those who face challenges in their relationship.
Lyrics
Don't Let Daddy Leave
© 1996 by Ernest DeWaters Jr. Music (ASCAP)
Author: Ernest DeWaters, Jr. (ASCAP)
(Verse 1)
I looked into little Bobby’s room just to say, “Goodnight.”
He was on his knees in prayer, what a precious sight.
He prayed for all his friends at school and he prayed for grandma, too.
He prayed for Spot ‘…and thanks a lot for my kitty, too.’
Then he prayed for his mama and me and it took my by surprise.
Tears swelled up in those little eyes and he began to cry.
(Chorus)
And he prayed, ‘Jesus, don’t let daddy leave this time.
Mama sent him away before but nothin’s ever fine.
Jesus, make mama change her mind.
Jesus, don’t let daddy leave this time.’
(Verse 2)
Then he looked up at me, tears still in his eyes.
‘Daddy please don’t go away, I don’t wanna say goodbye.
Daddy, I’ll put away my toys; Daddy, I’ll clean my plate.
I’ll walk down the stairs, I’ll say my prayers, I’ll be nice to my sister, Kay.’
Then he put his head to my chest and I held him in my arms.
I spoke not a word, but I prayed to the Lord, “Hear the prayer of this little child.”
(Chorus x2)
(Tag x3)
‘Jesus, don’t let daddy leave this time.’
Performance:
Ernest DeWaters - Lead Vocal
Background vocals -Jay Holland, Kaye Kelly, Jackie McPherson, Chris Thompson, and David Wissler
Randy Miller - Guitar, & Keyboard
Steve Mathews - Keyboard, Guitar
Alan Laws - Keyboard
Production:
Project Manager: Irma C. DeWaters
Producer: Randy Miller
Recording/Mixing Engineer: Steve Mathews
Recording Studio: Logos Productions - Clayton, Ohio
