Verse 1 We loaded up that moving truck With everything we owned, Mama cried and Daddy said, “Call us when you get home.” Our friends stood waving from the drive, We were young and headed south, Chasing down a better life, That’s what we talked about. I saw everything we’d gain, A future of our own, Never thought about the birthdays We’d be watching through a phone. Chorus I counted every mile ahead, Every dream we’d chase, Every door that might swing open, Every better time and place. But nobody tells you when you’re young Some things can’t be bought. I counted everything we’d gain… I never counted what it cost. Verse 2 Our babies grew, the years flew by, Like everybody says, Christmas came with boxes shipped And pictures Grandma kept. They knew her voice, they knew her face, They loved her, that was true, But they never got those Saturdays Like I did growing up. No fishing trips with Grandpa, No running through his yard, Funny how the little things Are the ones that hit you hard. Chorus I counted every mile ahead, Every dream we’d chase, Every door that might swing open, Every better time and place. But nobody tells you when you’re young Some things can’t be bought. I counted everything we’d gain… I never counted what it cost. Verse 3 We made a life, we made a home, And I’d make that choice again, But some of those I’d planned to see Ran out of “someday” first. I stood beside a casket once With words I couldn’t say, Thinking of a dozen times I’d almost gone their way. I always thought there’d be more time, Another trip back home. Turns out “someday” is a promise That tomorrow never owed. Bridge Maybe every road we choose Leaves another one behind. Maybe growing older means Learning what was there the whole time. A better life ain’t measured By the things you’ve gathered up. Sometimes knowing what you love Means knowing what it costs. Final Verse Heading south that evening, My wife sleeping by my side, I pulled beneath a gas station light Somewhere off I-81. There was one old friend back home I’d meant to call for years. I stared a while at his name, Then finally pressed it there. He answered with a laugh and said, “Man, it’s been a long, long time.” I looked over at the woman Who’s been with me through this life. Said, “Yeah, I know… That’s why I called.” Outro I can’t buy back yesterday. I can’t undo what’s lost. But I can love who’s still here Now that I know the cost.
