Birthday Chalkboard

(hummmm) Old red pickup with the rusted door

Toolbox rattling against the floor

You handed me the wrench,

said watch my hand

Rupert, listen close to understand We spent the Saturday underneath the hood

Wiping off the grease when the engine ran good You never spoke

too

loud to make your point

Just fixed the creaking frame and oiled the joint

Headlights cutting through the autumn rain

Singing every word to an old refrain You taught me how to

stand, taught me how to yield Throwing that high arc across the

open field (oh-oh-oh) Keep your head up,

Rupert, don't look down

Years roll fast and the yard grows tall

Your jacket's still hanging in the front hall

Now I check the oil before a long drive

Thinking of the way you kept the spark alive Hands on the

wheel just like you used to show

You

never asked for much or kept the score

Just left the porch light shining at the door

Headlights cutting through the autumn rain

Singing every word to an old refrain You taught me how to

stand, taught me how to yield Throwing that high arc across the

open field

(yeah) Keep your head up,

Rupert, don't look down

I look in the mirror and I see your brow

I wonder if you'd be proud of me now

We don't need speeches to bridge the miles Just knowing we share

the quiet smiles

Headlights cutting through the autumn rain

Singing every word to an old refrain You taught me how to

stand, taught me how to yield Throwing that high arc across the

open field

(oh keep your head up) Keep your head up,

Rupert,

you made me proud

Still driving that road Still carrying the load (hummmm)