[Verse 1]
You’re the names in the corners of photographs
Two old smiles in a frame on the wall
Coffee-stained caps and a Sunday shirt
Stories I’ve heard
But that’s all
You left before I ever took my first breath
Packed your pain in a hospital gown
Folded your hands
Let go of this town
Long before I came around
[Chorus]
Grandfathers I never knew
I still talk like I remember you
In the quiet
I pretend
You’re saving seats that I might fill someday
Grandfathers I never knew
But I carry pieces of whatever you went through
Every birthday
Every tear I shed
You’re the ones who loved me first
And never met me
[Verse 2]
Mom says one of you whistled when you worked
Fixed what was broken
Just for the joy
The other wrote letters in careful blue ink
Signed every one
“love to the future girl or boy”
I trace your names on the back of the frame
Wonder what jokes you would’ve told
Would you tease me about my crooked grin
Say
“that’s your mother’s
” as you held me close
[Chorus]
Grandfathers I never knew
I still talk like I remember you
In the quiet
I pretend
You’re saving seats that I might fill someday
Grandfathers I never knew
But I carry pieces of whatever you went through
Every birthday
Every tear I shed
You’re the ones who loved me first
And never met me
[Bridge]
Did you picture tiny hands
Coloring on the kitchen floor
Did you hope the hurt would end with you
So I’d feel it less
Not more
I light a candle on the counter
When the chemo stories ache
Promise I’ll grow something gentle
From every heartbreak
[Chorus]
Grandfathers I never knew
I still talk like I remember you
In the quiet
I pretend
You’re saving seats that I might fill someday
Grandfathers I never knew
But I carry pieces of whatever you went through
Every birthday
Every tear I shed
You’re the ones who loved me first
And never met me