Lyrics I Still Can't Say Goodbye - 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