My North Star

Some lessons take years to understand. Some thank-yous outlive the chance to say them in person. “My North Star” began as a poem I wrote for my grandma after she died in 2012. It’s about the wisdom I once tuned out, the gratitude that grew as I matured, and the realization that her words helped shape the man I became. This song is for her—and for anyone who wishes they could sit with someone they’ve lost and listen one more time. “Wherever you are, however far, Grandma, you’re still my North Star.” [V1] All those years you spoke, I tuned you out Thought I knew what life was all about Took two decades just to open my ears Now I wish I could revisit those years And hear again the things you said to me Had I listened, where now would I be? There’s no way to know, but I’m glad I heard Enough to carry some of your words [Chorus] Thank you for the life you led For the wisdom in the things you said More than I knew, you were shaping my heart Long before I understood my part There’s still so much I wish I could say And I wish you could see who I am today Wherever you are, however far Grandma, you’re still my North Star [V2] I used to wonder what I’d do when you’d gone How many tears would fall before dawn Now I’m here with the words you left behind Wishing I could hear them one more time They say you’re somewhere better than here I know why we need those words to hear But they can’t take away this missing you Or all the things I wish you knew [Chorus] Thank you for the life you led For the wisdom in the things you said More than I knew, you were shaping my heart Long before I understood my part There’s still so much I wish I could say And I wish you could see who I am today Wherever you are, however far Grandma, you’re still my North Star [Bridge] I can’t go back and listen like I should Can’t change those years, although I wish I could But what I heard became a part of me There’s more of you here than I used to see [Final Chorus] Thank you for the life you led For the wisdom in the things you said More than I knew, you were shaping my heart Long before I understood my part There’s still so much I wish I could say But I carry your words into every day Wherever you are, however far Grandma, you’re still my North Star [Outro] For the life you led and the person you were Thank you doesn’t seem like enough Wherever you are, however far You’re still my North Star Credits: Original poem and creative direction: E. Burgess Lyric adaptation: Developed with assistance from ChatGPT Music and vocals: AI-generated #MyNorthStar #Grandma #TributeSong #Grief #AcousticCountry