Her momma's still got that sequin gown that she wore in '68

She taught her early how to smile that smile and wave from the parade

It took a whole lot of years and tears

For her momma to finally admit

No matter how many stitches and pins

That old dress was never gonna fit



She was daddy's little girl

Momma's little angel

Teacher's pet, pageant queen

She said "All my life I've been pleasin' everyone but me,

Waking up in someone else's dream"



Her daddy used to say, "You'll make a lovely bride someday

He'll ride up on big white horse and just carry you away"

It took twenty-five years and some broken vows

Before they'd finally see

There's a little more to love and life

Then fairy tales and hand me down dreams



She was daddy's little girl

Momma's little angel

Teacher's pet, pageant queen

She said "All my life I've been pleasin' everyone but me,

Waking up in someone else's dream"



Now she's got twenty-seven candles on her cake

And she means to make her life her own

Before there's twenty-eight



She was daddy's little girl

Momma's little angel

Teacher's pet, pageant queen

She said "All my life I've been pleasin' everyone but me,

Waking up in someone else's dream"