Well, I never once backed down from a punch
Well, I'd take it square on the chin
But I found out fast that bullies just laugh
And we've got to stand up to them

So I didn't cry when I got a black eye
As bad as it hurt, I just grinned
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into big babies again

Scared me to death when you took your first steps
Well, I'd fall every time you fell down
Your first day of school, I cried like a fool
And I followed your school bus to town

Well, I didn't cry, when Old Yeller died
At least not in front of my friends
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into big babies again

Well, I'm a grown man, but as strong as I am
Sometimes it's hard to believe
How one little girl with little blonde curls
Could totally terrify me

If you were to ask, my wife would just laugh
She'd say "I know all about men
How tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into big babies again"

Well, I know one day, I'll give you away
But I'm gonna stand there and smile
But when I get home and I'm all alone
Well, I'll sit in your room for a while

Well, I didn't cry when Old Yeller died
At least not in front of my friends
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into big babies again

When tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into big babies again