From the recording Always Have, Always Will
A song I wrote to my wife. Words that we say to each other every morning for the past 40 years and will say for many more.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Forty years ago in Richmond halls
One master key answering midnight calls
Swinging on a lanyard, wrapped round my hand
Unwinding slow as we walked the land
Making rounds while the building slept
Stopping short where the door light crept
Leaning in, talking soft and low
Didn’t know then what we’d come to know
[Verse 2]
She was Baghdad fields and quiet nights
I was Louisville noise and city lights
I wanted rows of dirt and steel
She said, “I don’t wanna marry that deal”
Funny how the Lord had other plans
I’m thankful now I’m not that man
’Cause I learned how love can grow
When you build a life, not just a goal
[Chorus]
Every morning, same old tune
Under Tennessee skies and a rising moon
I say “I love you,” it’s always true
She says “I love you more,” like she always do
[Harmony – Male]
(I love you more)
[Lead]
I say “Always have,” with my heart being filled
She says “Always will,” and the whole world stands still
[Verse 3]
First kiss under neon glow
Family Dog dance floor moving slow
First date when I turned twenty-one
Pizza Hut and a setting sun
Life moved fast, but we held on tight
Built something real from simple nights
Love don’t rush, it learns what’s real
Gets stronger every time you feel
[Chorus]
Every morning, same old tune
Under Tennessee skies and a rising moon
I say “I love you,” it’s always true
She says “I love you more,” like she always do
[Harmony – Male]
(I love you more)
[Lead]
I say “Always have,” with my heart being filled
She says “Always will,” and the whole world stands still
[Verse 4]
She kept our wild little world in line
Made all the noisy days feel just fine
She quit her job, didn’t look around
So we could start again in another town
Tennessee roads, kids down the hall
She built a home while I built it all
Every long day, every mile
Her steady love made it worthwhile
[Bridge]
Now the grandkids call her Mimi
She’s the anchor when my tides run wild
I’m the weather, she’s my shoreline
Holding fast through every mile
When I drift, she pulls me true
Points me back to what’s right to do
She gives her heart so others stand tall
That kind of love outlasts it all
[Final Chorus]
Every morning, same old tune
Under Tennessee skies and a rising moon
I say “I love you,” it’s always true
She says “I love you more,” like she always do
[Harmony – Male]
(I love you more)
[Lead]
I say “Always have,” with my heart being filled
She says “Always will,” and the whole world stands still
[Background Vocals – Male (Soft Echo)]
I love you…
I love you more…
Always have…
Always will…
[Outro]
We’ve got the quiet now, the kind we used to crave
But I’d give anything for one more loud, crazy day
She was the calm in all that running ‘round
Didn’t see the blessing till the blessing settled down
And when she’s sleeping, I lean in soft and low
And whisper… “Honey… I love you more”