This Old Car - David Wilcox

This old car, was once brand new

On the day, that you were born

But sixteen years, have rolled right through

And soon you’ll drive me on your own

Sixteen years is young for you

But cars don’t age so well

My door hinge speaks, repairs to do

But I’ve got this life of tales to tell

A tiny babe came home one day

Through the newly fallen snow

They brought you home and on the way

I knew we had some miles to go

There were Christmas trees for all those years

And they shed their trace of pine

And there’s drops of milk and your young tears

Where you spilled your cup and started crying

And the grass stains here are soccer greens

And there’s sand from castle beach

There’s a Starburst lost from Halloween

That fell down through beneath the seats

Back and forth to every lesson

Building what you know

There was something gained for every mile

Like a seed you plant and hope may grow

Well, you had your place in that back seat

As you grew from grade to grade

Your time back there is now complete

When you’re free to drive, you’ve got it made

And the roads out there are to make your choice

And decide which way to steer

You’ll be on your own, I have no voice

At least not the kind that ears can hear

You now have your longest highway

Still in you to go

Yeah, but all I need, for all I gave

Is to see you live, so take it slow