This is my first attempt at writing a song. I wrote it for my late father-in-law (who
passed away suddenly on Jan 6/09) and also for my oldest son. Just so the song makes more
sense - my father-in-law was really close to my oldest son. At only 8 years old he let
him drive his boat around the lake (with him in it of course). I used to walk on eggshells
around this man before my son was born. He came across as a very stern Scotsman. My son
changed him in every positive way. It s unfortunate that his cancer progressed so
quickly that there was no chance to say a proper goodbye. My son was very upset. Mostly
because he was hoping to help grandpa finish off a model train set. I wrote this from my sons
perspective. What may have been the interaction between Granddad and Grandson had there
been a bit more time.
I left it in strictly chord form as it is well open to interpretation and most of it is
picked and not strummed. Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Hope you enjoy it.
Song For David - Don t Close The Line
Riff - Dsus4 / D / Dsus2 / Dsus4
Riff2 - Dsus4 / D / Dsus4
Rif
His eyes opened slowly at the touch of my hand.
Riff
He said, I m happy to see you, I m glad that you came.
Riff2
Hi Grandpa. I came to see if you were feeling well
Things could be better, and this I will tell.
Riff
You are the softness in my heart and my heart longs to stay,
Riff
But my body is pulling me the other way.
Riff2
Although time is be short and often unkind.
Please don t close the line.
Riff
My thoughts travelled back to the things we once did.
Riff
Like boating and fishing, I was a lucky kid.
Riff2
To see him like this was just so unfair.
The questions I had were too hard to bare.
Riff2
Who will be my captain when I m on the lake?
Riff2
Will you be there to help me eat birthday cake?
The train is not yet done and I just don t know.
I m too young to understand why you need to go.
Riff
He said, You have always been a brave young lad.
Riff
Take care of your brother, your mom and your dad.
Riff2
I ll be there on the wind when you turn nine.
And please don t close the line.
Riff
Tears filled my eyes at the words he did say.
Riff
He laid his head down and his hand slid away.
Riff2
So much left to do but I m glad I could be
The boy he chose to share his world with me.
Riff
As I turned to walk away, a note I did find.
Riff
Written by a hero, a champion of mine.
Riff2
I went through it once and at the end it said,
What I longed to hear and this is what it read.
Riff2
You are the softness in my heart and my heart yearns to stay.
Riff2
I ll always be with you when you go on your way.
I will love you forever and I hope that you find,
The tools that I left for you to finish the line.