Chris, I’ve lengthened the chorus and added a subtle family-tree reference, keeping the tone compassionate. A PLACE CALLED ODD [Verse 1 — quiet, close vocal] West Virginia A place called Odd A family name On a screen we watch Someone asks Someone replies We search their faces With strangers’ eyes [Chorus — long notes, room between lines] Whittaker A name to you A whole life You never knew Through the glass Across the miles We see a moment We call it life Who held your hand? Who knew your name Before the world Looked down this lane? The picture fades The curtains close Beyond the frame A life goes on [Verse 2] An old family tree Its branches entwined Names coming round More than one time Before these faces Before this day Choices were made That would find their way [Chorus — restrained harmonies] Whittaker A name to you A whole life You never knew Through the glass Across the miles We see a moment We call it life Who held your hand? Who knew your name Before the world Looked down this lane? The picture fades The curtains close Beyond the frame A life goes on [Verse 3] The camera comes The camera goes What stays behind We cannot know A thousand comments Underneath So many words So little peace [Bridge — almost spoken] Nobody chooses Where they begin The names on the branches The house they’re born in Before the lens Before the views There were mornings Nobody knew [Verse 4] I close the window Put down the phone Their faces linger Here in my home I know the name I know the place How much of someone Lives in a face? [Final chorus — fuller, still intimate] Whittaker A name to you A whole life You never knew Through the glass Across the miles We see a moment We call it life Who held your hand? Who knew your name Before the world Looked down this lane? West Virginia A place called Odd The picture ends The day goes on [Outro — fading] The picture ends The day goes on Beyond the frame The day goes on
