[Opening Instrumental] Verse 1 The hills rolled wide in Appalachia, Where the sun kissed the Carolina pines, A gravel road led past the holler, Where echoes lived in the thickened vines. As a boy, I heard that banjo plucking, Sweet and sorrowed in the summer breeze. It danced like fireflies near the creek bed, A haunting call that wouldn’t let me be. Chorus The banjo called to me, it sang my name, Through the whispers of the willow’s frame. An old man played on a porch in the haze, And I knew I'd find my way someday. Verse 2 Old Jasper sat, stooped in his rocker, Fingers worn but quick as river foam. “Go on, boy, leave me to my playing, This porch is mine; you’ve got your own.” But I’d linger there, past the cedar shadows, Sneaking peeks at hands that told a tale. His strings could laugh, could cry, could holler, Like a mountain bird on the morning trail. Chorus The banjo called to me, it sang my name, Through the whispers of the willow’s frame. An old man played on a porch in the haze, And I knew I'd find my way someday. Bridge Winter came, and he softened some, “Alright, boy, but don’t waste my time.” He showed me chords like the steps to heaven, One pluck at a time, I began to climb. Years passed by in that little holler, Two kindred souls and a tune to share. I’d play, he’d grin like the sun in morning, With a bond that no one could compare. [Musical Interlude] Verse 3 One day I found his rocker empty, His banjo leaned where he used to be. No kin to mourn, but he left a letter, “Son, you were more than blood to me.” Now I sit where the pines still whisper, On Jasper’s porch, with his banjo near. I pick the strings, let the hills remember, The man who taught me all I hold dear. Final Chorus The banjo calls to me, it sings my name, Through the echoes of the willow’s frame. An old man’s gift and a boy’s new day, And I know I’ve found my way to play. Outro In the Appalachian twilight's golden glow, The banjo rings where the shadows grow. From the holler’s heart, his spirit stays, And the music lives in the life he gave. ........
