[Intro]
Soft light on the porch, a memory hums like a tune
I learned to fly on your shoulders, under a wide, forgiving moon
[Verse 1]
You showed up with a smile when my world fell apart
Piggyback rides taught me courage, rodeo games stitched in my heart
Late-night fishing lines; you kept the night from feelin’ alone
A ladder to a doorway where we built a home of our own
[Chorus]
You were my steady, when the ground shook and shook again
You were my north star, through every bend and bend
I grew tall, you stayed near, though I wandered away
Now I carry your memory, in every breath I take today
[Verse 2]
I learned to be brave in the shadow of your patient code
If I stumbled, you steadied me, and helped me carry the load
We drifted like rivers, distance widening the space
But I kept your voice inside me, your gaze in every face
[Chorus]
You were my steady, when the ground shook and shook again
You were my north star, through every bend and bend
I grew tall, you stayed near, though I wandered away
Now I carry your memory, in every breath I take today
[Bridge]
Then night fell still, you were gone, and the room turned cold
Fingers pressed to the breath that wouldn’t come, five more minutes, hold
Grief began its quiet work, a map I walked in tears
Each step a small hello to you, pushing through the years
[Verse 3]
I learned to listen for your laugh in the old timber and rain
To feel your hand behind mine, guiding through the pain
I found my strength in the heart you built, in the love you chose to give
You’re the shadow by my side, the reason I still choose to live
[Chorus]
You were my steady, when the ground shook and shook again
You were my north star, through every bend and bend
I grew tall, you stayed near, though I wandered away
Now I carry your memory, in every breath I take today
[Outro]
If I close my eyes, I hear your words, I feel you near
I hear you say, I’m proud, and I know you’d cheer
I am your daughter, I am your proof, I am your love’s release
And I carry you forever, in the grace of my own peace
