I Still Can't Say Goodbye Lyrics - Merle Haggard

When I was young 

My dad would say 

"c'mon son, let's go out an' play" 

Seems like only yesterday 

When I was all by myself 

I'd climb up the closet shelf 

Find his hat an' fix the brim 

Pretending I was him 

No matter how hard I try 

No matter how many tears I cry 

No matter how many years go by 

I still can't say goodbye 

He took good care 

Of Mom an' me 

We all cut down the Christmas tree 

He always had some time for me 

Wind blows through the trees 

Street-lights, they still shine bright 

Most things are the same 

But I miss my dad tonight 

I walk by the Salvation Army store 

Saw a hat like my daddy wore 

Tried it on an' fixed the brim 

Still tryin' to be like him 

No matter how hard I try 

No matter how many tears I cry 

No matter how many years go by 

I still can't say goodbye, Pa