by Byron, Glenside, PA

My daughter, that pretty little girl, was getting married. We tossed back and forth several choices for the traditional ‘father-daughter’ dance. After we could not agree on several songs I liked, she spent four hours searching song databases and came up with Heartlands’ “I Loved Her First.” It’s such an emotional song, and just so appropriate, even if neither of us really likes country. Each time we listened to it, she became teary-eyed.

We practiced dance steps to it, and she asked “Are we going to cry when we dance to this at the wedding?” I was determined to ensure we did not – so I practiced several humorous lines to say to her as we danced. When the big day came and we were dancing, I asked her how the day was going for her. She said – “It’s perfect!” We were so happy together that not a tear was shed. But I have to admit that each time I hear the song without her in my arms, I almost get teary-eyed!

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she’d find you someday
But its still hard to give her away
I loved her first