Confidence that you will make it in life.

This is a song for anyone that is starting a new part of their life on their own. Whether they are going off to college, moving to a new place or joining the military. Their loved one, who is the singer, knows that they will make it in the world.

I wanted to write a song about the feelings that were welling up in me as my kids graduated from high school and going off to college. A song like I Hope You Dance or my wish.

THAT'S THE STUFF
by Lori Kelley copyright 2008

You called me on the phone this afternoon.
And your broken voice said you?d be leaving soon.
Then you asked me what I thought of you.
I said, ?You?re the best.? And the next thing, I was crying, too.

But that?s not all that I want to say.
I know you?re tough. I know what you?re made of.

(CHORUS)
When you?re climbing the highest mountain,
Tryin' to figure out what you?re worth,
You?ve made it to the top,
Or you come back crashin' down to earth,
Remember, no one can wash away the blood, the sweat, the dirt, and the love.
That?s the stuff I know you?re made of.

You think of someone else before yourself.
You climb out on a limb for a friend.
You?re picking up the phone at two A.M.
?Cause you know someone needs you to listen.

And that?s not all the things you do,
But it?s enough to know what you?re made of.

(CHORUS)
When you're travelin' along the highway never givin' up on that search,
You find a friend, you've fallen in love or you wind up gettin' hurt,
Remember, no one can wash away the blood, the sweat, the dirt, and the love.
That?s the stuff I know you?re made of.

(Bridge)
Stay one-of-a-kind. Stay braver-than-brave.
Never be afraid to believe in what you believe is right.

(CHORUS)
When you?re climbing the highest mountain,
Tryin' to figure out what you?re worth,
you're travelin' along the highway never givin' up on that search,
no one can wash away the blood, the sweat, the dirt, and the love.
That?s the stuff I know you?re made of.