Papa’s Heartbeat

Your hands smelled like cedar and engine oil

You'd hum an old tune turning keys

You'd point at the stars from the back porch

And say, “Kid, this wide world’s yours to see”

Now the house is quiet in the evening

But I still feel you near (ahhhh)

Oh Papa, you’re my steady compass

When the road turns dark,

you lead me through

(ooh) Your love is like a lamp in the window

Always pulling me back to you

You taught me how to fix what’s broken

With patience, and a steady hand

Your stories lived in coffee cups and photographs

Like footprints in the sand

If I could have one more Sunday morning

I’d let the silence speak (hmmm)

I’d say “thank you” without hurrying

For the strength you gave to me

Oh Papa, you’re my steady compass

When the road turns dark,

you lead me through

(ooh) Your love is like a lamp in the window

Always pulling me back to you

I still hear you humming,

low

and easy (hmm-mm) And I walk a little straighter now