Peter Hammill - Once You Called Me

I wish that I remembered better. You've grown so fast before my very eyes. The woman that you're now becoming suddenly takes me by surprise. I thought that there'd be time and tide a-plenty to grow into a proper fatherhood but underneath our feet the sands were shifting. You spread your wings, soon you'll be gone from me for good. And when I tucked you in at night and swore I'd always love you madly I'd wonder would this be the last time that you'd ever call me "Daddy"?
A bittersweetnes runs through every memory: a daughter's father wants to be so strong, then suddenly he's just an ancient relic. You spread your wings, you weren't a little girl for very long. And if trouble's on its way you know I'd lay my life down for you gladly. I only wish that I could still remember the last time that you called me "Daddy". Once you called me "Daddy". Oh, my precious girl.