The Tassel Turns

They just called your name And twenty-two years stood up to cheer I still see the car packed full that August day Your whole life in milk crates, us pulling away Then the two a.m. texts from the library floor "One more exam, Mama" — then a hundred more Every all-nighter, every doubt you fought through Walks across that stage with you The tassel turns, and so does time One little inch from their side to mine Four hard years in a single line Walk slow, baby — this moment's yours The tassel turns There was the semester you called home in tears Said maybe you weren't cut out for this — look at you here The apron from the coffee shop, the loans, the load You carried it all up that graduation road Every page you highlighted, every shift you stood It was worth it — I knew it would The tassel turns, and so does time One little inch from their side to mine Four hard years in a single line Walk slow, baby — this moment's yours The tassel turns Tonight we'll pack the car again, but this one's not for school You're driving toward a life now that I don't get to plan That's the deal — and oh, it's beautiful The tassel turns, and so does time One little inch from their side to mine Four hard years in a single line Walk slow, baby — this moment's yours The tassel turns Throw it high, my girl The sky was always yours