Story Behind The Song

I wrote "The Last Good Man" about the relationship that my father and I share. My father, also named Jim, was a consummate professional-- disciplined, driven, and deeply principled. He achieved excellence on a level that I know I will never obtain. Growing up, I watched him lead with quiet strength and integrity. He never asked for recognition, but his actions spoke volumes. As I've gotten older, I've come to understand just how rare that kind of man is and how much I've been shaped by his example. This song is both a tribute and a confession. A tribute to a man who set the bar high, and a confession of the pressure I've felt trying to live up to that legacy. It's personal, emotional, and honest because that's the kind of man he taught me to be. The Last Good Man isn't just about my father, it's about all the men who lead with humility, who give more than they take, and who leave behind something worth chasing. Life isn't always about achieving excellence, it's about striving to be the best version of ourselves. In a world that constantly measures success in trophies, titles, and checklists, it's easy to forget that growth often looks quieter. It's found in the effort to be kind when it's easier not to be, in showing up even when no one notices, and in choosing integrity over applause. Perfection is a moving target. But being a little better than we were yesterday? That's something we can all reach for. These are the values that both my mother and father instilled in me and I thank them for it.

Lyrics

Verse 1
My grandfather worked with calloused hands
Bought a house, built a life, and made his stand
My father fought for his country, then fought to be near
To the ones that he held even closer than fear

But me, I've drifted, chasing it seems
Lost in the shadow of my forefather's dreams
They made the right choices while I flinch at my own
They wore truth like armor that I've never known

I lie awake and I wonder what they would say
If they saw the man I've become today
Is failure the curse that I carry by birth
A name I was given, but never deserved

Chorus
Is he the last good man, that father of mine
Or did the line break with me over time
He walked like a promise while I stumble and fall
Trying to be someone worthy at all
Would he see my efforts or only my scars
Or would he see the goodness within my heart
I still don't know if he'll ever see
The good man that I always wanted to be

Verse 2
I've let moments slip and turned from the fight
Found comfort in silence instead of what's right
I've heard all their stories written in lore
Each of them taunt me to be something more

I speak to his picture, when no one's around
Asking if he's proud or if I've just let him down
My boys they watch me with eager eyes
And I fear they'll inherit my hollow disguise

When I tuck them in and kiss their heads
I tell them father's stories and things that he's said
And I feel something shift deep in my chest
Maybe trying each day is what makes a man his best

Chorus
Is he the last good man, that father of mine
Or did the line break with me over time
He walked like a promise while I stumble and fall
Trying to be someone worthy at all
Would he see my efforts or only my scars
Or would he see the goodness within my heart
I still don't know if he'll ever see
The good man that I always wanted to be

Bridge
But tonight, my son, he called me brave
And I realized I'm my strongest when I'm afraid
His words broke through what I've fought to hide
Like he knew of the storm that I carried inside
And for the first time, I began to believe
That maybe there's still some good inside of me
So I let the shame go and held on to grace
Found a quiet kind of pride in this place
The weight of the past began to bend
When I saw a new start where I thought it would end

Chorus
Is he the last good man, that father of mine
Maybe goodness can grow with the passing of time
I've fallen and failed but still I believe
That a man can change and accomplish his dreams
I hear his voice now, not judging but kind
Saying, "You'll find your way, just give it time."
The outcome we seek is all in our hands
I learned that lesson from a very good man

Outro
And when I'm gone, my sons will stand
Taller than me, much better men
They'll say through the tears, just like they planned
"He wasn't perfect, but he was a good man