I can never know if you'd approve of me
But I'm here to ask you just the same
I've been walking row by row

Searching for your name

They tell me you sang just like me

But you never cared to make it big
A family man whose dream in life
Was his wife and his kids


I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife

And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die


I will give her everything I have
The Lord knows that ain't much
I'd buy her expensive things

But she don't care about that stuff

And I'm not schooled in politics

I just don't give a damn about all that
But I've got ambition, I've got this guitar
And I got the clothes on my back


I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife

And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die


I talked to your kids this morning
Everyone is safe and okay
Mary's still in school

And Mathew has another baby on the way

And I wish that you were still around

Your wife says we'd get along just fine
You know after all these years
You're still always on her mind


I came here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife

And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die


I know you can't walk her down the aisle
And you can't place her hand in mine
But I know that you'll be with us

When we hear those wedding bells chime

So I brought you an invitation

Along with some flowers from the bride
You know she'd give anything
To still have you by her side


And that's why I'm here to ask for your permission
To take your daughter as my wife

And I hope you're not rolling over in your grave cause I will
Love her 'til the day I die, oh I will, Love her 'til the day I die
I promise I will, love her 'til the day I die