Stepfather of the Bride by Mike McLaughlin

Mike is currently active in the Eastern PA chapter (www.epansai.com) of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) as webmaster, and as a moderator at www.thesongwritersforum.com.

STORY:

The inspiration for "Stepfather of the Bride" came from a conversation between Mike and his stepdaughter while planning her wedding. The chorus was conceived when Mike asked what was his role in the wedding besides financially. He said "if I can't walk you down the aisle, can I at least get a dance?" Then came the search for a suitable stepfather/stepdaughter song to accompany their dance. The best we could come up with was Brad Paisley's, "He Didn't Have To Be". Beautiful song, but is sung from the stepson's point of view. He hopes that he could be half the Dad that his stepfather didn't have to be.

Mike sat down and wrote his own song for this special occasion. Mike recorded the song and his stepdaughter knew, but did not hear the song until her special day during the stepfather/stepdaughter dance. On the day of her wedding it was a big hit with his stepdaughter as well as the invited guests. Just 2 days later Mike performed the song live to a 4th of July crowd of about 500. Several DJs asked for copies to play at weddings and he could see that it touched a majority of the people. In this day and age of blended families, his song may become a standard at weddings of blended families.

LYRICS:

Title: Stepfather of the Bride (for Erin)

Words & Music By: Michael J. McLaughlin

c2005 MJM * MIKEMCL@USA.NET

VERSE 1

I remember when I met you; you looked like you could be mine

With your red hair and freckles; maybe it was a sign.

I fell in love with your mama and you came along for the ride.

Now you're getting married, I'm the stepfather of the bride.

VERSE 2

I couldn't replace your daddy, and I wouldn't want to try

The one who you relied on all the way to junior high

He was your mamma's man when he gave you life, he should be at your side

It isn't always easy for the stepfather of the bride

CHORUS:

I was there as you grew, but can't walk you down the aisle

After all we've been through, Can I dance with you for a while?

I know I'm not your daddy; but today I'm filled with pride

Smiling ear to ear, I'm the stepfather of the bride

VERSE 3

There were many times we argued, not seeing eye to eye

I tried to raise you up right, sometimes I made you cry.

But you touched my heart so many times that now I must confide

I love you like a daughter; I'm the stepfather of the bride.

REPEAT CHORUS

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