(Slow, steady drum beat begins)
(Subtle organ swell)
Yeah, yeah
Life is a journey, you see
But some people, they build the bridge for you to walk on
Giving thanks today
Father Bernard, this one is for you
I remember the days when the clouds were hanging low
I was just a youth with nowhere left to go
Looking for a compass, looking for a sign
Tracing out the patterns in the shifting of the tide
You stepped in the room with a spirit bold and true
You didn’t just talk, you showed me what to do
You said, 'Son, the road is rocky and the mountain side is steep'
But the promises you make are the promises you keep
Thank you Father Bernard for making me strong
You taught me how to stand when the night was too long
Every word you spoke was a seed in the ground
Watching it bloom now, look at what I’ve found
You gave me the wisdom, you gave me the key
Now I’m standing tall, the man I’m meant to be
I recall the lessons under the burning golden sun
Teaching me to finish what I had just begun
'Don’t look at the shadows,' you told me with a smile
'Walk with your head high and stay for a while'
It wasn’t just the words, it was the way you held the light
Keeping me protected through the middle of the night
You built a foundation that will never fade away
I carry your spirit in my heart every single day
Thank you Father Bernard for making me strong
You taught me how to stand when the night was too long
Every word you spoke was a seed in the ground
Watching it bloom now, look at what I’ve found
You gave me the wisdom, you gave me the key
Now I’m standing tall, the man I’m meant to be
Time moves like a river, washing all the sand
But I still feel the guidance of your steady hand
The lessons you planted are growing like a tree
Offering the shade and the fruit for all to see
(Ooh, the wisdom lingers on)
(Ooh, you made me strong)
Now I’m walking forward with a fire in my soul
Taking all the pieces and making them a whole
It’s a debt I can’t repay with silver or with gold
Just a legacy of kindness that never will grow old
You saw the potential when I couldn’t see a thing
You taught me how to fly, you gave me back my wing
So Father Bernard, wherever you may be
Your echo is the music playing deep inside of me
Thank you Father Bernard for making me strong
You taught me how to stand when the night was too long
Every word you spoke was a seed in the ground
Watching it bloom now, look at what I’ve found
You gave me the wisdom, you gave me the key
Now I’m standing tall, the man I’m meant to be
Yeah, you made me strong
Every step of the way
Blessings upon your journey
Father Bernard, thank you
(Fade out with mellow bass and drums)
Respect