It looks just like an old man and his old wife

Havin' lunch in the food court at the mall

He stumbles twice, she holds on tight 

And he's embarrassed cuz he almost falls

It looks just like the sad end of a long life

But that ain't it at all


What it really is is a boy home from world war two

One leg pinned up on his uniform

Tryin' not to cry as he spit shines one black shoe

Scared she won't love him anymore

What it really is is the smile on her pretty young face

As he crutches down the gang plank and that kiss

That's burned from that day to this

That's what it really is


It looks just like a small town around twilight

And a couple pushin' a stroller up the street

They stop a while and the neighbors smile

At the baby's pretty little hands and feet

It looks just like just another brand new life

But that picture ain't complete


Cuz what it really is is one expert after another

Breakin' their hearts month after month

Tellin' her that she will never be a mother 

And him that he will never hold a son

And what it really is is a waiting room and tears of joy

As he walks in with a little boy all his

His finger wrapped in a tiny little fist

That's what it really is


So much of what this life can be 

All depends on what you see


It looks just like a long line of headlights 

Rolling slowly down a rainy country road

A small casket white, a cold, windy graveside

And a family with such a heavy load

It looks just like the sad end of a short life

But the truth be told


What it really is is the first breath she's ever taken

That made her feel like she could fly

The grey skies above and the chains finally breakin'

And tellin' the pain goodbye

What it really is is running to her Savior's side

In a body glorified in bliss

As she slips her little hand into His

That's what it really is