[Chorus 1]
You were like a son, I hope you're still shining
Cultivate your sk**s, and grow to be giant
I'll give a hug if I see you
And if I don't, here's some love 'til I see you
[Verse 1]
A little devil-angel, get into trouble
Hand in the cookie jar, reaching for a couple, developing hustles
Always on the move, you made sure we worked our leg muscles
And quickly picked up the tricks we fumbled
Brick outside? Bet you were properly bundled
Prolly left you feeling like your Thomas puzzle
How moms and pops, shuffled you around, struggling
Thought I knew just the thing, put you under my wing
I tried to give some extra attention, stepped in when you had started taking chances
Played rough, may get cut, wash it up, here's a bandage
Backyardigans and Dora taught you basic Spanish
One minute I'm with you, the next I vanished
Wish there was a cartoon to help you understand this
You were just a toddler planet, forming your own atmosphere
And habits you set then, will stick with you 'til your latter years
I wanna say I'm glad that you're here
[Chorus 2]
You were like a son, I hope you're still shining
Young and defiant but keep your mother vibrant
Explore the universe, learning the science
And know people are routing for you, even if they're silent
You were like a son, I hope you're still shining
Cultivate your sk**s, and grow to be giant
I'll give a hug if I see you
And if I don't, here's some love 'til I see you
[Verse 2]
How you shining, son? What she does daughter?
We're not the only heirs to the air, land, and water
You remind me how to share and offer, take care
Dare to thrive in your hundreds with a walker
Not even blood, step, adopted, or foster
But we're famalam for eternity
Use your heart when it comes to birds and bees
I'll be thinking of you when you earn degrees, 'cause I saw you learn to read
Reinforced your "thank you, ma'ams," "yes sirs," and "pleases"
I'm sure you yearn for freedom to roam, with ideas of your own
So you test what we say, digest a new word everyday
And you might not always get your way, or get to play, but
Now will soon become yesterday
Yea, yea, listen to what your parents say
[A] lot of things you gotta see for yourself
Touch fire and feel a welt, speak up if you're in need of help
Keep worlds warm, preciate your origin
And what was sacrificed to form your skin
Make ripples like accordions, have your name known by historians
'Til you're born again, you were more than a friend
[Chorus 2]