Story Behind The Song

The song starts with a father and son planting a Red Oak, with the father impressing upon his son the value of thinking about the future by describing how big the tree will get. The son then goes on to build a long-lasting relationship with a girl from his hometown who had previously been out of his league. As it turns out, they're both just looking for something that'll last.

Song Description

The song is a contemporary country take on the value of things that last, especially relationships. It features solid vocal and dobro performances, as well as electric guitars and B3 organ.

Lyrics

SOMETHIN' THAT'LL LAST
Mark Patterson
Copyright 2023

Dad and I planted a red oak
With its one skinny branch pointing north
He said think of it like a moral compass
To guide you on your path as you go forth
And it might just be a sapling now
But imagine the shade it's gonna cast
If you're gonna make somethin' of yourself in this life
Make sure it's somethin' that'll last

I've known her since high school
But she liked the wild older guys
That landed her in a lot of hot water
But she was still innocent in my eyes
At our 10-year reunion we connected
She said honey I don't want to go fast
I'm taking my time cause I'm looking for someone
Who's looking for somethin' that'll last

And I'm just fine with that arrangement
And I don't mind her colorful past
She's just fine with my brand of derangement
If there's one thing that I know
Sometimes you gotta take things slow
It takes time to grow somethin' that'll last

Forget the fads and infatuations
All of that fades so fast
Don't waste your time on today's sensations
Tomorrow they're forgotten and slip into the past

And I'm just fine with that arrangement
And I don't mind her colorful past
She's just fine with my brand of derangement
If there's one thing that I know
Sometimes you gotta take things slow
It takes time to grow somethin' that'll last

Looks like we're in it for the long haul
Who'd have thought we'd make it this far
She calls me her Rock of Gibraltar
And when I'm adrift she's my North Star
If you're tired of waiting for lightening to strike
And all of your hopes have been dashed
Just when you're ready to throw in the towel
l bet you find somethin' that'll last

And I'm just fine with that arrangement
And I don't mind her colorful past
She's just fine with my brand of derangement
If there's one thing that I know
Sometimes you gotta take things slow
It takes time to grow somethin' that'll last
It takes time to grow somethin' that'll last
It takes time to grow somethin' that'll last