Happy Birthday, Son
... everything you need is already there inside
A few years ago, I sat and wrote a letter to my son on the eve of his 21st birthday. Thinking about my own coming of age and the path that lay in front of him, these words flowed.
Happy Birthday, Son
[Verse 1]
On your 21st birthday, my dear son,
No gift I could give, no words from my tongue,
'Cause everything you need is already there inside,
A fire in your heart, a strength you can't hide.
You've faced the tough calls, jumped every wall,
Honored your word, stood proud and tall.
Smart and creative, with love in your soul,
I'm bursting with pride, you've made me whole.
[Chorus]
Happy birthday, son, this is your time to shine,
Explore the unknown, let your spirit align.
Create and lead, love with all you've got,
Find your purpose, your passion, and never stop.
Be true to yourself, through the storm and the fight,
Build a life full of meaning, be the light in the night.
To the journey ahead, with all of my heart,
Happy birthday, son, let's make a new start!
[Verse 2]
What you've done in these years, don't take it light,
Cleared every hurdle, chased wrong from right.
You've got so much to give to this world so wide,
To your country, your friends, your family by your side.
I'll watch with joy as you carve your own way,
Face every challenge, seize every day.
No one knows how long we've got in this ride,
But I'll treasure each moment, stand right by your side.
[Chorus]
Happy birthday, son, this is your time to shine,
Explore the unknown, let your spirit align.
Create and lead, love with all you've got,
Find your purpose, your passion, and never stop.
Be true to yourself, through the storm and the fight,
Build a life full of meaning, be the light in the night.
To the journey ahead, with all of my heart,
Happy birthday, son, let's make a new start!
[Instrumental bridge- driving guitar, drums, brass]
[Bridge]
Those words are easy, but living them's hard,
Stay true through the trials, don't let down your guard.
Whether a day or a decade, or years beyond count,
I'll support you forever, that's what love's about.
You're unstoppable now, a force to behold,
A gift to the ones whose hearts you hold.
[Final Chorus – Build with intensity]
Happy birthday, son, this is your time to shine!
Explore the unknown, let your spirit align!
Create and lead, love with all you've got!
Find your purpose, your passion, and never stop!
Be true to yourself, through the storm and the fight,
Build a life full of meaning, be the light in the night!
To the amazing journey that starts right here,
With all my heart, son, happy birthday, my dear!
The letter that inspired the song ...
Happy Birthday, Son
On your 21st birthday…
My dear son,
There is no one gift nor any words of wisdom that I could offer you on this important day, your 21st birthday, that you do not already hold within yourself.
Today is both a milestone of personal achievement and a starting place for the next phase of your young life.
What you have accomplished in your short 21 years is not to be viewed lightly. You have made difficult decisions, you have cleared substantial hurdles, you have honored your commitments, and you have become a smart, creative, loving young man who I am so very proud to call my son.
You have much to offer this world, this country, and your future family and friends. It will be one of the great joys of my life to see, which path you choose, what challenges you face, and what successes you tally.
No one but God knows how much time we have together. Whether that is a day, a decade, or more… I will do my best to treasure each moment, be by your side when you need me, and support you whenever I can.
The years ahead will be your time to shine: explore, create, lead, and love. Find your purpose and your passion and become unstoppable! Create a life of meaning and be a gift to those you love.
Perhaps, most importantly, in all things be true to yourself!
Those are easy words to say but they are not always easy values to live.
To the amazing journey that begins today!
With all my heart,
Dad
