Now my daughter 
Asks so awkward 
Was she a mistake 
And her mum placates her saying she's the best mistake we've made 

But inside we 
fiercely hide the truth that we'd never tell her 
That the best mistakes are really still mistakes 

Drive her to netball, then drive her to dance 
For her gymnastics she needs some new pants 
I open my wallet again and again 
Ordering pizza for her and her stupid friends 

Her mother is putting on weight 
The 18 year curse of a single mistake 
is having to live with a woman you hate 
pretending you love her to keep visitation rights 

The lawyers are best left unpaid 
and now I must live with the choices I've made 
But I think of the times that I could have got laid 
If I didn't have Abigail in the third grade at school 

That name was her mother's choice, Abigail 
Decided when she was no more than braille 
A bump on the tummy of soon-to-be mummy 
When all of my friends were suggesting I bail 

Now my daughter 
Asks so awkward 
Was she a mistake 
And her mum placates her saying she's the best mistake we've made 

But inside we 
fiercely hide the truth that we'd never tell her 
That the best mistakes are really still mistakes 

Don't think I don't love her, I definitely do 
My daughter means everything, still if I knew 
That night what would come from that meaningless screw 
I'd probably have put on a condom or two 

or three or four or five 
But what's done is done and now she's alive 
And though I don't love her mum I can't deprive 
my girl of her father whatever the price 

So I swallow my pride, forget all my dreams 
Don't risk my job in the corporate machine 
I've gotta provide till she reaches 18 
Though every day feels like I'm swimming upstream 

The times I've been hugged, The times I've been kissed 
Spinning in circles while holding her wrists 
I know it's a blessing she even exists 
It almost makes up for the life that I've missed 
but not quite 

Now my daughter 
Asks so awkward 
Was she a mistake 
And her mum placates her saying she's the best mistake we've made 

But inside we 
fiercely hide the truth that we'd never tell her 
That the best mistakes are really still mistakes
credits
released 14 November 2013 
Thanks to Jason Parolin for being my producer and sound engineer. Thanks to Joanne Vanselow for some sweet harmonies.

The Best Mistakes

Tomorrow Is On Its Way

David Carlin's songs are a breath of fresh air. His lyrics weave detailed stories unlike anyone else's. They combine the lyrical dexterity of rap, with the more relatable human element of folk songs to produce a unique creation.
David's songs show him as both a romantic and a pragmatist who never shies away from difficult topics. Sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, David will make you sit up and listen.

davidcarlin

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