Wide-Eyed Wonder

The Choir

One of my favorite songs about being a dad — or specifically having a daughter like Flannery who’s 16 now — but still wide-eyed and learning to live in this world. Like we all are. Even as adults I think living wide-eyed is a great way to be. Staying hopeful, expecting great things. Fearing the worst. Being grateful. Laying waste to cynicism.

I love the heart-on-sleeve lyrics, posted below — the honesty, the sweetness. Beautiful acoustic guitar and lyricon. Love the harmonies in the studio version, and Steve’s drumming too, so check out the ORIGINAL.

I first loved this song back in college when the idea of having a daughter was just a nice dream. But it was a dream that eventually came true for us in a big way. Flann is an only child — something we didn’t plan for or expect, but we love the way it turned out because our love for her feels undivided. We like to tell people we got the best one. This 2017 live version sounds beautiful this morning — the original lineup back together for this performance.

Wide-eyed wonder girl
Starin' into the sky and wondering why
It's a good, great world
But it turns around
Nevermind the ground

Look up high, stars above
Please don't cry, father's love
Hold on tight to his hand
Dream tonight, understand

Wide-eyed wonder girl
Starin' into the sky and wondering why
It's a good, great world
But it turns around
Nevermind the ground

Look up high, dancing bear
Please don't cry, daddy's prayer
Hold on tight to my hand
Dream tonight, wonderland

Wide-eyed wonder girl
Staring into the sky, wondering why
It's a good, great world
But it turns you'll see
So hold on tight to me...