Fishing With Grandpa

[Verse 1]
Old tin boat on a glass-gray lake
Coffee steam in the morning haze
You’d say, “Lines in before first light”
I just tried to stay awake
Hook stuck fast in the tackle box
You’d laugh low, say, “Slow it down”
Sun climbed up while the bobber rocked
That’s the best peace I’ve ever found
[Chorus]
I still feel you
Every time that water’s still
Hear you saying, “Boy, just breathe
The world can wait, it always will”
Time runs on like that river
I can’t reel the years back in
But when I’m fishing with my memories
It’s like I’m right there beside you again
[Verse 2]
Beat-up cap with the fraying brim
Fold-up chair and a faded coat
You’d pack more stories than gear to bring
Passed ‘em down like a weathered note
Now your rod’s in the corner shed
Dust on wood, but the line holds strong
I take it out when my heart feels heavy
Let that silence sing you a song
[Chorus]
I still feel you
Every time that water’s still
Hear you saying, “Boy, just breathe
The world can wait, it always will”
Time runs on like that river
I can’t reel the years back in
But when I’m fishing with my memories
It’s like I’m right there beside you again
[Bridge]
Some folks find you in a photograph
I find you in the morning chill
In a tangled knot
In a quiet cast
In the way this old lake stands still
[Chorus]
I still feel you
Every time that water’s still
Hear you saying, “Boy, just breathe
The world can wait, it always will”
Time runs on like that river
I can’t reel the years back in
So I’ll keep fishing with my memories
Till the day I sit and talk with you again

country, Gentle reminiscent country ballad, male vocals. Fingerpicked acoustic guitar and soft brushed snare, warm upright bass. Verses stay intimate and close-mic’d; chorus opens with light pedal steel swells and subtle three-part harmonies. Final chorus pulls the band in a little fuller then ends on a lone guitar and voice, hanging on the last line., nostalgic