YOUR SPIRIT LIVES ON, DADDY
A tribute to Pa Joe Dahn — “Third World”
[Spoken Intro]
Daddy, it’s me, Vera,
I have so much to say.
There’s never enough time,
But I’m singing to you today.
This song is for you, Pa Joe Dahn,
Our love will carry on.
Third World, we will always love you—
Your spirit lives on.
[Verse 1 — Remembering Your Life and Love]
You worked so hard, you carried on,
With a faithful heart each day.
You stood beside your friends and kin,
And helped them find their way.
You gave each child a place to belong,
You opened wide your heart.
Selfless, caring, always giving,
You loved us from the start.
You taught us, “Give and don’t expect
A payment in return.
Be there for those who need your hand,
Let kindness be your song.”
You lived those words throughout your life,
You showed us what was true.
Daddy, every lesson learned
Still leads us back to you.
[Chorus]
We will always love you, Daddy,
Pa Joe Dahn, your spirit lives on.
When we help and hold each other,
Your love gives us strength to carry on.
Third World, you are remembered,
In our hearts you’ll always stay.
Thank you for the life you gave us,
And the love that lights our way.
[Verse 2 — Family Updates]
Zedee’s in the Army now,
You’d be so proud to see.
Jemima’s doing well in business,
Strong and bold as she can be.
She follows in your working steps,
With courage shining through.
Erika has joined her in Liberia,
And Farrington is in Ganta, too.
He’s there with his family,
And Daddy, when I saw his face,
All I could see was you.
Your strength and spirit shine through him,
A memory warm and true.
And Derick’s saying, “I do,”
Starting a life anew.
Rachel and Gift are doing well, dear Daddy,
I wish you could be here.
Cynthia is married now,
With joy throughout the year.
Lorazo’s back in Ganta,
Doing business day by day.
There’s so much news we’d love to share,
So much we wish you’d stay.
[Verse 3 — The Family You Left Behind]
Your daughter Vera’s doing great,
With children of her own:
Ruth, Wonser, and little Bella,
Bringing joy into our home.
I’ll teach them how you cared for all,
And tell them stories, too.
They’ll know the goodness of their grandpa
By the love I learned from you.
Farrington and his family—
Helena, Helton, Joshua, and Towon—
Are doing well in Minnesota,
Growing stronger every day.
All the boys are out of high school,
Now in college, reaching high.
You would be so proud to see them
As they chase their dreams and fly.
Oh, Daddy, Ma Betty’s doing well,
She’s back in Liberia.
I wish we had one more talk,
One more moment near you.
There’s still so much I want to say,
So much to share with you.
[Bridge — A Prayer for the Family]
Some news is hard to tell you:
Your wife Helena had a stroke.
She is not well, but we hold her close
With every prayer we spoke.
We surround her with our love,
More than these few words can tell.
Daddy, please watch over her,
And pray that she gets well.
Daddy, please pray for all your boys,
Especially Chris and Pee.
The younger two are struggling now;
They need our love to see.
May better days come near them,
May strength rise when they fall.
May helping hands surround them,
And may they hear your call.
We’ll keep reaching out with patience,
With the love you showed us through.
You taught us to stand by family,
And we’ll keep standing true.
When the road is rough and heavy,
We’ll help each other through.
With faithful hearts and steady hands,
Just as we learned from you.
[Final Chorus — Carrying Your Love Forward]
We will always love you, Daddy,
Pa Joe Dahn, your spirit lives on.
In every gift we give freely,
In every bond that’s standing strong.
You gave so much and asked so little,
We are grateful to be your own.
Third World, your family remembers,
And your kindness guides us home.
We will always love you, Daddy,
Pa Joe Dahn, your spirit lives on.
Through the children and the family,
Through the night and morning sun.
Thank you for the life you gave us,
Thank you for the love you’ve shown.
Third World, we will carry you
Wherever we may roam.
[Spoken Outro — A Peaceful Farewell]
Gotta go now, Daddy,
But my love stays with you.
Please say a prayer for all your children.
From Vera and the whole family,
Thank you for everything.
You gave us love, you gave us wisdom,
You showed us how to care.
We will keep your memory living
In every life we share.
Rest peacefully, Pa Joe Dahn.
Our daddy. Our Third World.
May your spirit live on.
We will always love you.