Sister

Every songwriter has a few songs they never expected to survive the test of time. Sister is one of mine. I wrote it years ago as a birthday gift for my sister. It wasn’t crafted to be polished or profound, but to capture the joy, laughter, and memories that surround her life. In many ways, it’s the kind of song that should have stayed tucked away as a family keepsake, but even now, it still means something to me.

The song weaves through childhood memories, from running wild in the park to not-so-successful driving lessons that ended with smashed milk bottles. It moves into the everyday treasures that make up a life well-lived: birthday cakes, road trips, gardens, renovations, and the countless ways she has given her time and care to everyone around her.

At its heart, the chorus is simple: it’s your day, this is your day, a time to love and to share. Cheesy? Maybe. But it’s also true. None of us would be who we are without her.

One of the most meaningful verses to me is the one about her becoming a grandmother. It’s a reminder that love has a way of multiplying through generations, and that her kindness, patience, and creativity ripple outward far beyond what any of us can see.

“Sister” might not be the most polished song I’ve ever written, but it carries the warmth of family, the gratitude of siblings, and the laughter of memories that never fade. It’s a thank-you wrapped in melody. And sometimes, those are the songs that matter most.