A Man You Can Stand By

Background:

This is based on a very real and very personal story. In short, years ago, I picked up the little brother of someone I dated from his football practice. It was very early on in the relationship, and an awkward car ride followed, especially because the little brother wasn't quite sure how we felt about the whole thing yet. I wanted to hint at "stand by" as evoking the idea of a future groomsman (saying hey, I'm in this for the long run). While that didn't happen, the boy did have an unexpected death years later (cancer). The "man you can stand by" changed from "i'll be by you at your wedding" to "stand by my family when I'm gone, regardless of where your relationship goes." (In the true story, I was one of two people that showed up to support the sibling despite them having married and divorced and a lot of confusion circling what we'd be - if anything. In this case, I'd promised the brother years before that I'd always be a friend.)

I'm primarily looking for feedback on a better chorus. I'm trying to write something here that evolves in meaning and perspective throughout the story: first as me defending the relationship, then as him saying "just treat em well", then as me years later saying "look man, your death hit hard and I'm not sure I did this right." and finally, it ends by saying essentially "I want to stand by you and Jesus one day because that's what ultimately matters"

Appreciate your thoughts.

Lyrics

Football seasons wrapping up

And Your pads go in the back

Of a mustang that's just way too small

But we won't acknowledge that.

I don't know what you've been told

Cuz you won't look me in the eyes

But somethin' tells me It's a long drive home

On a strangely silent night.

I swear I ain't done nothing

I'm not proud of or not right.

But I’m sorry that you walked in on

That kiss you saw last night

I’d lock the door if I’d have known

The little bro would just barge in

But cool on down not here to mess around

I want you on my side.

I don't wanna fight with you

I think you're a great guy.

So if you think I’m wrong

Then please man let’s move on

We can be a team

Buy man just promise me

you’ll love us till the end

If it comes to me I hope you see

I'm a man you can stand by.

He pauses in the door way

Turns to look then there's a sigh.

Look man I ain't said nothing or

My momma’d lose her mind

I wont claim that you are someone

That I like or not tonight,

But if ya promise me then we can see

I just might think that youre alright.

I don't wanna fight with you

I think you're a great guy.

So if you think I’m wrong

Then please let’s move on

We can be a team

But man just promise me

you’ll love us till the end

If it comes to me I hope you see

I'm a man you can stand by.

I thought it’d be a wedding

Where we’d pick the left or right

As we lay to rest a final test

We haven't talked much since that night.

I promised you i loved you too,

But man, this wasn't planned.

Still i stand here now as we lay you down,

You sure know how to fight.

I'm not saying I was perfect

But man please know that I tried,

To keep the word and honor that

I made with you that night.

I wont lie sometimes I cry

Cuz what I gave was more than words.

Remind me now i didn't let ya down

I’m not sure I did this right.

I don't wanna fight with you

I think you're a great guy.

So if you think I’m wrong

please don’t hit too hard

I miss ya man and hope you understand,

I'm a man, i didnt mean lie.

Oh brother I don't wanna fight with you

But boy, Your timing is never right.

If heavens gates take both our names

I'll see ya there inside.

For now please know it wasn't just a show

We put up our best fights.

I don't wanna fight with you

I think you're a great guy

But I miss ya man

Please understand

You're one I can't wait to stand by.