Loved Me (When You Didn't Have To)
Lyrics By: Thomas W. Peterson AKA RedHeart 
©COPYRIGHT 11–5-2025 All Rights Reserved ©


 (Intro (8 bars - piano/guitar)

( SPOKEN WORD: This song is a thank you letter to every person who chose to love a child who wasn't born to them. It's for every grandparent who raised grandchildren, every aunt or uncle who stepped in, every foster parent who opened their home, every step-parent who showed up, and every adoptive parent who said "you're mine now."
Because family isn't just about biology - it's about who shows up, who stays, and who loves you when they absolutely didn't have to.
This is their song.)

Verse 1: (16 bars)
You weren't there when I took my first breath You didn't rock me when I cried But you showed up when I needed someone most And you never asked me why You could've walked away, no one would've blamed you There was no blood that made you stay But you chose to be the one who raised me And I thank God for that every day

Chorus: (16 bars) You loved me when you didn't have to Gave me a home when I had none You became my mom, my dad, my hero When you could've turned and run No paper made you, no law required it You did it 'cause your heart was true And I'll spend my whole life grateful That you loved me when you didn't have to

Verse 2: (16 bars) You were there for every birthday Every scraped knee, every broken heart You taught me how to ride a bike and drive a car You gave me a brand new start When the kids at school would ask about my real folks I'd just smile and tell them straight The one who loves you, that's your real family And love's what makes us blood, not fate

Chorus: (16 bars) You loved me when you didn't have to Gave me a home when I had none You became my mom, my dad, my hero When you could've turned and run No paper made you, no law required it You did it 'cause your heart was true And I'll spend my whole life grateful That you loved me when you didn't have to

Bridge: (12-16 bars) Now I've got kids of my own And I finally understand The sacrifice, the sleepless nights The gentle, guiding hand And I hope I love them half as well As you have loved me through 'Cause you showed me what it really means When love is all you choose to do

Final Chorus: (16-20 bars) You loved me when you didn't have to Saved my life when you saved mine You became my whole world, my foundation My reason and my rhyme No DNA could make me love you more than this Your heart was all the proof I knew And I'll spend forever thankful That you loved me when you didn't have to Yeah, you loved me when you didn't have to

Outro: Outro (8-12 bars) Thank you for choosing me When you didn't have to


Loved Me ((When You Didn't Have To ) 11-5-25

RedHeart49