Verse 1 The airplane rolled beneath a western sky, A few small delays, but I didn't mind, 'Cause I was headed east where my memories live, To Greensboro, North Carolina for the first time. Bridge [steel guitar] I stepped from the gate and breathed it all in, Sweet hardwood forests dancing in the wind, And a cardinal flashed through the morning light, Like a welcome home from heaven's sight. Chorus [male/female duel] [emotional softness] Oh, the Carolina air still fills my soul, With family ties that never grow old, From Lake Jeanette to the museum halls, The love of my family means the most of all. Bridge [steel guitar] Wilson and Peggy, you've always been there, Through every season, every hope and prayer, And all my nieces and cousins too, My heart comes alive when I'm with you (...with you) Verse 2 We walked through the Guilford County Museum, Sharing stories and laughing again, Remembering faces and days gone by, As history and family intertwined. Bridge [steel guitar] At Lake Jeanette the water shined bright, Reflecting the clouds in the afternoon light, And every smile around me seemed to say, "These are the moments that never fade away." Chorus [male/female duet] Oh, the Carolina air still fills my soul, With family ties that never grow old, From Lake Jeanette to the museum halls, The love of my family means the most of all (...most of all) Bridge [steel guitar] Wilson, Peggy, and Marnie you've always been there, Through every season, every hope and prayer, And all my nieces and cousins too, My heart comes alive-- when I'm with you. Bridge [steel guitar] The cardinals sing from the hardwood trees, Their songs carried softly on the breeze, And every mile that brought me here Was worth it for the love I hold so dear. Final Chorus [male/female duel] [soft, emotional] Oh, the Carolina air still fills my soul, With family ties worth more than gold, From Lake Jeanette to the museum halls, The love of my family means the most of all (most of all) Bridge [steel guitar] My brother, my sister, my daughter, my nieces and kin, I'd travel those miles all over again, For the greatest blessing that I've ever known Is the family whose love has always been my home. Outro [soft emotional] The plane will leave, but my heart will stay, Among the cardinals and hardwoods swaying, And every time I think of you, Carolina's love comes shining through. [slowly] Carolina's love always comes shining through. [spoken] I love y'all so very much
