VS 1
It’s our turn to dance
Our time in the light
A man and a girl
Hearts filled with pride

We started out as strangers
Had so much to learn
The title of father
I would have to earn

When I think about the things
In your life    I’ve missed
First words, first steps,
skinned knees to be kissed

Been told all the stories
But they cannot compare
To what would have been
If I could have been there

CHORUS:
I can’t believe it
Just look at you     (all grown up now)
Now no one can tell you
That dreams won’t come true     (Sometimes they do)

Fate brought us together
So don’t ever be sad
I’m the rock that you can lean on
Just call me “Dad”

VS 2:
Life’s a wonder
There’s so much to do 
When I look at my girl
I see great things in you

So go out and live it
Be happy inside
Because my little girl
is now a beautiful bride

CHORUS:
I can’t believe it
Just look at you     (all grown up now)
Now no one can tell you
That dreams won’t come true     (Sometimes they do)

Fate brought us together
So don’t ever be sad
I’m the rock that you can lean on
Just call me “Dad”

BRIDGE:
There is a hole in your heart
Where someone used to be
Takes a Dad to fill it
Now that Dad is me
Yes it’s me

Chorus
(Now I can't)
I can’t believe it
Just look at you      (all grown up now)
Now no one can tell you
That dreams won’t come true

Fate brought us together
So don’t ever be sad
I’m the rock that you can lean on
                                (Someone you can lean on)
I’m the rock that you can lean on
                                (Rock, that you can lean on, when you call)

Just call me “Dad”
Ooh, Darlin’
Whenever you call me
Just call me “Dad”
 

Richard was in the last stages of making the paperwork official to legally become Amber's father by her wedding day.   So, the title of the song- fittingly- was- JUST CALL ME DAD.   I was moved by the story and lyrics and knew this would be a very special piece of music and opportunity to do what I love most- write and produce music.

So, after what I'm sure seemed like an eternity for the Reyes's, I finally submitted a draft of the song to give them my idea of what would sound good.    They had to have a lot of faith because the rough draft was VERY rough.   Richard was concerned that it sounded more like a Broadway tune and he was aiming for a more Country sound.    I assured him it would be country-like when all was said and done.   He and Angela hung in there with me through the whole production process and were more encouraged with each version that they heard.

The final production, it was decided, would need another vocalist.   So, I called on the vocal talents of my dear friends- Robert Schultz for the lead and he and his wife, Dana Laughlin Schultz added the backing vocals.  (Interestingly enough, Dana and Robert have an adopted child- their son, Danny.  So, they related to the sentiment of the song completely!).   It was a match.  Richard and Angela grew more excited.

Then my blues guitarist friend- Doug See- came to the studio to lay down his guitar tracks.   That really took it to a more Country feel.   I had Doug lay down many tracks and then picked the best guitar "licks" to really accent the song in the right places. 

After adding the final strings, I got the approval and total excitement from Richard and Angela that they were very pleased.   So, I mixed the final version, which is above for you to enjoy here as you visit the Doug Gazlay Client Care Center.

On October 6th, 2007, after Eric and Amber Ziegler had finished their first dance, Richard A. Reyes got the chance to dance with his daughter, as he had dreamed for years, to the tune that came straight from his heart.   There was not a dry eye in the place when the song finished- including the videographer!   I'm very grateful to have been given the opportunity to help bring something so personal and special to the family of one of my clients.

Richard and I are now working on other songs as well as searching for which Country star will put our song on their CD.  Any ideas?    We hope you enjoy!-   Doug Gazlay