This is a song I wrote about my Grandfather. He's always been my hero, and an inspiration to our whole family. But here's the back-story on this song:
A couple years ago, my granddad was in the hospital. Critical care. Stomach problems, back problems, pneumonia, you name it. I'd been in to see him before, telling jokes and making big plans about what we'd do when he got out. Well, this one particular day was different. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't move, he couldn't remain conscious for very long, and when he did, he would hallucinate and talk nonsense--like he didn't know where he was. As I grabbed his hand and put my cheek against his forehead, tears poured from my eyes. I knew I was seeing my dear grandfather for the last time, and for the first time in my life, I came to terms with the idea that I was losing one of the most important people who's ever been in my life. I walked out of the hospital, crying. And as I sat on the curb beside my car, I heard this chorus rolling through my head. And once I thought about his life, and his philosophy about life, the verses just wrote themselves.
A few days later, my granddad's condition turned around. He gradually got better, and returned to his way of life. Since then, every bit of our time together has been, in my mind, "bonus time." And that's the best kind.
My granddad has never heard this song, and maybe he never will. I don't know how he'd feel about a song that talked about him like he were already in heaven...but for me, it was one of the most emotional and heart-felt things I've ever written. It may not mean anything to anyone else in the world, but to me, it's a tribute to the greatest friend I've ever known.
Coolidge was in office, Congress in session
Just on the brink of that first great depression
In a backcountry town, too small to mention
Was a family so poor, they couldn't pay attention
There were five little boys, wild and unruly
The youngest of which looked a lot like yours truly
Learned early that laughter makes big problems small
Just keep your head in the game, keep your eye on the ball
He sold Gulf gasoline, and drank Dr. Pepper
And decaffeinated coffee, the doctor said it was better
for his heart, and over time his back fell apart
From working his fingers to the bone
His checkbook was tight, but his wallet was loose
His mind was sharp and his tongue could be too
And somewhere along the way I became his biggest fan
He was honest as a weathervane, and simple as a soup can
And I wish he was here
So you'd understand
What it means to walk tall
With the world in your hands
Boy don't you cry
I'll see you again
At the right hand of Jesus
With my momma's old man.
Don't bother listenin' to yesterday's news
Don't call it a chance if there's nothing to lose
You can't blame a man who's gone out of his mind
You don't give up on dreams, you just run out of time
There ain't nothing as strong as a sign from above
And nothing's as sweet as a grandmother's love
There's no match for the wisdom in a grandfather's mind
Because the words that he said are the words I live by...
Loading...
3:01
Clay Prewitt and the Sundownersby swmmojo302 views
Wow, Very nice! I hope he is listening...
hibobb123456 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
Nice writing! Good performance also...got my sub...
Kevindad123 4 months ago
Man I wish I could've written a song like this for my own granddad. But you did and I felt every word of it. Thank you, Clay.
Zsolto66 4 months ago
great song
cluelocker 10 months ago
very nice - good tune
taylor655814 10 months ago
lovely to hear from you again. Very touching tribute to a very special person. It will mean different things to different people but one thing is for sure you have carried how much he means to you in every line written. I think i know someone just like your Grandfather. Thanks again for your brave, heartfelt and inspirational contribution.
13Esmarelda 10 months ago