The story behind this song
Sixteen. The learner's permit rides on the dashboard and she adjusts the mirror like she's done it a thousand times, the radio already louder than the engine. It was yesterday you were tying her shoes — you'd swear it — and now she's signaling left like the road already belongs to her, while you learn the hard art of riding along.
There's a wildness in her kindness the world is going to need. You taught her to look both ways; now you have to let her go and see. For the parent handing over the keys — pride too big for the driveway, a quiet please-slow-down underneath, and a porch light that stays on at any hour, no questions first.
Lyrics
The whole sky's waiting, baby girl
Now you're signaling left like the road's already yours
The radio's louder than the engine, just the way you like
And I'm learning how to ride along
Now I have to let you go and see
Every road is open, every light is turning green
Take it slow for me, but take it — it's all yours
Sixteen and the whole sky
And the porch light's always on when you come home
You argue like a lawyer now — I wonder where that's from
There's a wildness in your kindness that the world is gonna need
So drive, my love — just buckle in
Now I have to let you go and see
Every road is open, every light is turning green
Take it slow for me, but take it — it's all yours
Sixteen and the whole sky
And the porch light's always on when you come home
Singing songs I've never heard
And you'll still be my girl in the rearview
Always my girl
Every road is open, every light is turning green
Take it slow for me, but take it — it's all yours
Sixteen and the whole sky
And the porch light's always on when you come home
Hands at ten and two — and fly
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