[Intro] The Griffin’s still standing. That counts for something. [Verse 1] Welcome to the Red Griffin, Mind the chair, the leg is loose. Bread is warm, the stew is decent, And I’m not taking your excuse. Yes, the walls have seen much better, Yes, the sign still needs repair. No, I’m not smiling for your silver— Sit down. Your drink will meet you there. Some still ask where Mara’s gone, Some already know too well. I don’t answer every question. Some stories Are not mine to sell. [Pre-Chorus] Keep the tray straight, count it twice, Never let them see you shake. Mara taught me charm is useful— I prefer A sharper way. And if being nice improves the numbers… It’s all business. Nothing more. [Chorus] That was Mara’s way, Warm lights burning through another day. A little charm, a fearless grin, Make the whole damn tavern spin. Mine is quieter, mine is slow, I watch the room before I show. She built the stage I’m standing on— Now Mara’s gone. It’s Veronika’s turn. [Verse 2] Days were grey after the funeral, Half the tables stayed untouched. Every laugh sounded borrowed, Every silence hurt too much. For a while I kept the glasses Exactly where she used to leave. Thought if nothing ever changed here, Maybe I wouldn’t have to grieve. Then one morning I opened early, Dragged the curtains from the light. Cleaned the dust from every bottle. Fine. We’re working tonight. [Chorus] That was Mara’s way, Open doors at the end of every day. A little warmth, a little pride, Keep the darkness locked outside. I don’t laugh the way she did, I don’t need to imitate. But the Griffin still has work to do— And apparently, So do I. [Verse 3] Then the Greys became our regulars. Of course they did. The Puppeteer sits in the corner, Quiet as a loaded gun. Orders tea, observes the doorway, Scares three customers for fun. And his daughter steals my chair back, Calls me “meanie” when I tease. Then she smiles across the table— …Fine. She can stay as long as she please. Ginny says we’re “best friends” now. I told her not to make it weird. She hugged me. I survived. Barely. [Pre-Chorus] She brings trouble, she brings Toto, She brings stories through the door. Every time I think it’s over— There’s another Adventure waiting on the floor. But if she asks whether I missed her… No. Obviously. Business, darling. Nothing more. [Bridge] Mara used to fill the room Before she even crossed the floor. I used to hate that. Maybe envy it. Maybe both. But I finally understand something. You don’t keep a place alive By becoming the person who died. You keep it alive By giving people a reason To come back. So I fixed the sign. Opened the shutters. And put her favorite bottle Back behind the counter. Not because I’m sentimental. Obviously. [Final Chorus] This was Mara’s way, But the Griffin woke again today. Different smile, different bite, Still we keep the candles bright. Let the farmers laugh too loud, Let the strangers fill the crowd. Let the Greys take their usual place— Ginny, stop feeding Toto Under the table. I can see you. [Outro] Keep the bread warm. Count the silver. Lock the doors when morning comes. And if someone asks Why the Red Griffin shines again… Just tell them: It’s all business. Nothing more. …Mostly.
