Memorial Day Memories

[Verse 1] Mama laid the table out On the red tin porch White plate, paper napkins And that old faded torch Granddad wore his ball cap low Sat quiet by the door Said, “Some names don’t leave us They just walk beside us more” [Chorus] Memorial Day memories Down by the waterline Memorial Day memories Your hand in mine We said their names out slow Let the summer hear Memorial Day memories Still bring them near [Verse 2] We drove down to the river bend Wildflowers in the car You held the cold carnations Like you knew just where they are The flag moved like a promise In the warm May-like breeze And every small thing shimmered With the weight of memories [Chorus] Memorial Day memories Down by the waterline Memorial Day memories Your hand in mine We said their names out slow Let the summer hear Memorial Day memories Still bring them near [Bridge] I still see the folded chairs The cooler full of ice Your tears dropped on the gravel Then you smiled and said, “All right” [Final Chorus] Memorial Day memories Down by the waterline Memorial Day memories Your hand in mine We said their names out slow Let the summer hear Memorial Day memories Still bring them near [Outro] Memorial Day memories I carry every year