Like My Grandpa Was

[Verse 1]
You were up before the sunrise
Boots by the back door, coffee in your hand
Said, "Boy, the world don't owe you"
Then you showed me what that meant out on your land
We'd mend that old fence, shoulders burning
You'd grin and say, "That's how you grow"
Now it's quiet in that kitchen
And there's things I wish I'd asked you long ago
[Chorus]
I just wanna be like my grandpa was
Strong and steady, doing what he does
Teaching more by how he walked than what he said
I miss the way you'd talk me through
Every scar and every bruise
Hope you're out there, watching where I tread
Are you proud of who I'm trying to become
'Cause I'm just trying to be like my grandpa was
[Verse 2]
You'd hand me that old tackle box
Bologna sandwiches and a borrowed cap
Long drives out past the county line
Windows down, your stories in your laugh
Campfire sparks climbing toward the sky
You'd say, "One day you'll bring your own kids here"
I still hear that river running
Every time I feel you somewhere near
[Chorus]
I just wanna be like my grandpa was
Hands worn down, heart big enough
To carry every heavy load the family had
I miss those roads we used to roam
Those nights that felt like home
Wish I could call you every time life gets bad
Are you proud of who I'm trying to become
'Cause I'm just trying to be like my grandpa was
[Bridge]
I talk to your old photograph some nights (yeah)
Ask you what you'd say if you were here
When I'm lost between the right thing and the easy thing
I hope your voice is what I hear
[Chorus]
I just wanna be like my grandpa was
Faithful, fair and full of love
Stubborn in the best ways that you taught me
I'll keep your lessons in my hands
Build my life like you built this land
Till the day you're the first face that I see
If you're out there, keep on guiding me from above
'Cause I'm just trying to be like my grandpa was

country, Warm modern country ballad with male vocals, brushed drums and roomy acoustic guitars. Verse sits low and intimate, pedal steel slow and mournful; chorus opens with layered harmonies, brighter strums, and a steady kick underlining the hook. Subtle organ pad in the bridge, vocal pushed upfront with a cracked, honest edge.