We've all probably heard it at some point. "Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace)" by the contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Bob Carlisle. An extremely popular song for father-daughter dances at weddings, not to mention just a popular song for any sentimental dads out there who love their little girls.
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But do you know the story behind "Butterfly Kisses"? The inspiration for the song is as touching as the song itself, it turns out. (Though it's unsurprising.) Bob Carlisle told Oprah the story on her show years ago. According to Carlisle, he had gotten home late one night and was sitting in his office. He was thinking of his daughter Brooke and pulled out some old photos from a cedar chest. He looked at the pictures of his daughter, who was 16 at the time, and realized she wasn't going to be living with the family much longer.
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From there, he said, the song poured out of him. And he wept as he wrote it. The next day he played it for his wife. He couldn't even look at her as he sang it, because he was crying so much. She bawled too. Later he played it for his daughter. She also cried her eyes out.
It's a bit of a touching song, it turns out.
Pretty much everyone in the world agreed. The song won the 1997 Grammy for Best Country Song as well as Song of the Year at the Dove Awards, the premiere Christian music awards. Carlisle may be considered a one-hit wonder by many, but his song about the mighty love he has for his daughter will forever live on in the hearts of fathers and daughters everywhere.
"Butterfly Kisses" Lyrics
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
and I thank god for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning And butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more every day
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember.....
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy,
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said
"I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...
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