Lyrics

The Jacket

In the corner of my closet behind my summer clothes
There's a jacket I ain't worn in 15 years
I recall the day I got it, just the sight of the Green and Gold
Was enough to bring one teenage boy to tears
The leather's cracked and faded
The collar's curling at the edge
And that single letter's hanging by a thread
But that beat-up leather jacket, I could never let it go
It's a bittersweet reminder of the things that matter most

Brad was my best buddy as far back as second grade
His mama used to joke that we were twins
From bikes and backyard baseball to cars and double-dates
Anything I did I did with him
He was first-string center fielder
I only warmed the bench
And that jacket in my closet, it was his
That beat-up leather jacket means much more than you could know
It's a bittersweet reminder of the things that matter most

I'm talking 'bout love and forgiveness
The grace of God -- let me be a witness

At our graduation party, Brad had too much to drink
So I took his keys and said "I'll get you home"
Somewhere down I-40, I guess I fell asleep
When I came to, they told me he was gone
The day before the service
I went to see his Mom and Dad
They hugged me, said "There's something you should have"
So that beat-up leather jacket is much more than just a coat
It's a bittersweet reminder of the things that matter most

Like love and forgiveness
The grace of God -- let me be a witness


Will Hopkins / Dustin James