J. Michael Harter

Hard Call To Make

J. Michael Harter


The umpire had got sick so he said he'd give it a try 
So there was my dad,callin' them balls and strikes 
I can still hear the crack of the bat 
I never got a hold of one like that 
I was roundin' second when the third base coach 
Took a big chance and wave me home 
I'm pretty sure the ball touched me before I touched the plate 
But when it's your dad,that's a hard call to make 

For the most part,I think I made him proud 
But there was one night,I know I let him down 
I had known them boys all my life 
I should've known better then to take that ride 
The county sherriff was a friend of his 
Said that's why he was bringin' me in 
He handed me the phone,said "Sorry son,everybody makes mistakes" 
But when it's your dad,that's a hard call to make 

It's not easy as wrong or right 
It ain't always black and white 
Life's a thousand shades of grey 

He had a plan for just about everything 
An' he'd it known that if this day ever came 
That he had lived a good long life 
And he had always fought a good fight 
So when the doctor said,"It's up to you" 
I knew what I had to do 
I read the form picked up a pen and my hand began to shake 
'Cause when it's your dad,that's a hard call to make 

It's not as easy as wrong or right 
It ain't always black and white 
Life's a thousand shades of grey