Fernando Ortega

This Time Next Year

Fernando Ortega


Turn up the light so we can see 
The redhead grandson on your knee 
You'd better hold him while you can 
He'll be walking soon 
This time next year 
You'll want to take him 
Down the old road 
Behind your house 

To show him the sun 
On the autumn fields, 
Smell the wind-blown alfalfa, 
To look out where the geese 
Are rising for their southern flight 
Circling arrows in the sky 
Above the ditches 
And the cottonwoods 

This time next year 
There'll be stories to tell 
And he will listen to you 
Quiet in your arms 
And there'll be songs to sing him 
While he goes to sleep 
When we gather in your home 
This time next year 

The boy is laughing on your knee 
Hold him up so we can see 
Hold him high because 
We're lifted in his laughter 
And in the gladness 
He has brought you 
As you walk these heavy miles