[Intro — Spoken softly, Lyra] Dear little Ginny Grey, Today you're turning ten. I hope your father gives you The biggest hug again. [Verse 1] Another night, another flame, Another soldier calls my name. The bandages are running low, And winter winds begin to blow. My hands are tired, my eyes are sore, There's someone knocking at my door. But wait, my dear, before I go, There's something that you ought to know. [Pre-Chorus] I haven't seen you grow so tall, Or heard your laughter down the hall. But you're the daughter of a friend, And that's a bond that doesn't end. [Chorus] Happy birthday, Ginny, Ten little candles shine. I hope the world is kind to you, And all your stars align. Happy birthday, Ginny, Though we're so far apart. I send a little piece of warmth From my exhausted heart. [Verse 2] Your father told me once or twice About your smile, your curious eyes. He speaks of you with so much pride, The kind a father cannot hide. I wonder what your dreams might be, What kind of world you want to see. Perhaps one day we'll finally meet, And share some cake or something sweet. [Pre-Chorus] The wounded need me through the night, And I must keep their candles bright. But even when there's work to do, I found a moment just for you. [Chorus] Happy birthday, Ginny, Ten little candles shine. May every road you wander down Bring someone good and kind. Happy birthday, Ginny, Though you don't know me yet. Some people leave a little light In hearts they've never met. [Bridge — Lyra, quietly] And if the world should turn unkind, If shadows steal your peace of mind, Remember, little one, somewhere There's someone wishing you were there. I cannot promise skies of blue, Or keep the storms away from you. But if our paths should cross someday, I'll gladly help you find your way. [Instrumental — Gentle oboe, piano and strings] [Final Verse — Ginny, years later] I found your letter yesterday, Where dust had hidden it away. Your writing faded, old and small, Still full of kindness through it all. You worked through nights without an end, And found the time to write, my friend. Before you held me when I cried, You cared for me from miles outside. [Final Chorus — Soft duet, Lyra and Ginny] Happy birthday, Ginny, Ten little candles shine. Though years have passed, your gentle words Have somehow made it through time. Happy birthday, Ginny, The letter never flew. But every word you left behind Has brought me back to you. [Outro — Ginny, whispering] I never knew you wrote to me... Before you knew me, too. Thank you, Lyra. I got your letter after all.
