That's What Grandpas Do
Legacy of Love: Grandpa's Wisdom in Gord Bamford's 'That's What Grandpas Do'
Lyrics
Got an eight by ten of me and him, when I was about nine
Reflecting on a photo of the narrator and his grandpa when he was nine years old.
The game was over I was on his shoulders by the fifty yard line
Grandpa carrying the narrator on his shoulders after a sports game at the fifty-yard line.
He was a tall and lean proud marine with a faded green tattoo
Describing grandpa as a tall and proud marine with a faded green tattoo.
Always had my back when I ticked-off dad 'cause that's what grandpas do
Grandpa always supported the narrator, even when he upset his father.
From fifty-five to sixty-five I watched his hair turn grey
Observing grandpa's hair turning grey between the ages of fifty-five and sixty-five.
And the only time I saw him cry was the Sunday I got saved
Grandpa cried when the narrator experienced a significant event on a Sunday (possibly religious).
From turnin' a wrench to fixin' fence, and pickin' me up at school
Grandpa transitioned from fixing things to being emotionally supportive, picking the narrator up from school.
To bein' my best friend, that's what grandpas do
Grandpa became the narrator's best friend, emphasizing the role of grandpas.
He taught me how to drive, and how to survive in the woods if I got lost
Grandpa taught the narrator practical skills like driving and survival in the woods.
And the older I get the more I see I'm a chip off a chip off his old block
The narrator realizes he inherited qualities from grandpa, continuing the family legacy.
He taught me how to tie a tie, put an edge on a knife, and how to sight in my twenty-two
Learning skills from grandpa, such as tying a tie, sharpening a knife, and using a twenty-two caliber firearm.
How to do unto others, 'cause that's what grandpas do
Instilling values like treating others well because that's what grandpas do.
He taught me not to be lazy, open doors for ladies, and look a man in the eye
Teaching the importance of hard work, manners, and humility in various situations.
Think before you speak, pray before you eat, and how to choke down your pride
Advising to think before speaking, pray before eating, and manage pride.
He gave me my last name, this cross on this chain, and my first Red Man chew
Grandpa's contributions, including passing on the family name and a religious symbol on a chain.
So don't tell your grandma boy 'cause that's what grandpas do, yeah
Keeping certain actions a secret from grandma, implying a bond between grandpa and grandson.
From an old Chevelle, out there raisin' hell to quotin' from King James
Recalling experiences with grandpa, from rebellious moments to quoting scripture.
From Superman to barely can remember his own name
Highlighting the aging process, from a strong figure to struggling with memory loss.
They go from an old jon boat with a fishin' pole to a hospital room
Grandpa's diverse interests, from fishing in a jon boat to facing health challenges in a hospital.
Better love 'em while you can, man, 'cause that's what grandpas do
An emotional reminder to cherish moments with grandpas, emphasizing their fleeting nature.
You'd better love 'em while you can, 'cause that's what grandpas do
An urgent call to appreciate and love grandpas while they are still present.
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