Seven Hours to Forever

Verse 1 (Soft, conversational, almost spoken-sung) August of 2017... will never be a day I forget Two baseball diamonds in Niagara... and a conversation I never expected I was playing ball for the ladies... well I noticed you playing for the men Didn't know that summer weekend... would change the rest of my life back then Chorus (Builds slightly, still gentle) Seven hours of highway... three years of driving through Montreal to Midland... every mile led me to you That a stone mason's hands... were building something strong Seven hours to forever... that's how long Verse 2 (Warm, storytelling tone) You'd cook me dinner Sunday... pack my cooler full Send me off with kisses... and a heart that never pulled We counted down the weekends... the grandkids that we gained Started out with three little ones... now there's nine that know our name Chorus (Fuller, but still tender) Seven hours of highway... three years of driving through Montreal to Midland... every mile led me to you That a stone mason's hands... were building something strong Seven hours to forever... that's how long Bridge (Slowest section, emotional peak, slight pause between phrases) You lift the heavy limestone... you carry all the weight Then you come home to me... and you fill up my plate With fish you caught at sunrise... and a love that never bends Those highway miles were hard... but I'd do them all... again Final Chorus (Biggest moment, but controlled, then softens at the end) Seven hours of highway... but I finally made it home To a cottage on the water... where I never sleep alone Those stone mason hands... still holding mine so strong Seven hours to forever... baby, forever didn't take too long Outro (Whispered, a cappella or single guitar) Happy Valentine's, Pat I'd drive it twice again To get to where we are And where we've always been