Willie's First Christmas (Back Home)

(Verse 1) Willie always had a wild streak, too fast for his own good, Mama said, “Boy, slow it down,” but he never understood. That winter night he made his move, thought he’d come out ahead, But a bullet found his leg, and prison found his bed. (Chorus) Now it’s Willie’s first Christmas back home, The lights are on, and the tree has grown. Seven long years, he paid his dues, Now the family’s together, singin’ those blues. (Verse 2) The road was hard, the nights were cold, time didn’t treat him kind, But he found a spark behind those bars and left the past behind. Mama’s in the kitchen, the smell of pie’s so sweet, And Willie’s on the couch with his leg propped up, tappin’ to the beat. (Chorus) Now it’s Willie’s first Christmas back home, The lights are on, and the tree has grown. Seven long years, he paid his dues, Now the family’s together, singin’ those blues. (Bridge) He says, “I’ve seen the dark, I’ve walked that line, But I’ve learned my lesson, it’s redemption time. This house is warm, this love is real, And this Christmas joy is all I feel.” (Outro) The stockings are hung, the table’s set, the laughter fills the air, Willie’s here to stay this time, no need for a prayer. It’s his first Christmas back home, and it feels so right, The start of a brand-new chapter, on this holy night. (Fade out with soft guitar, harmonica, and gentle sleigh bells)