“Grandpa, were you really famous?” Ricky smiled — that slow, knowing smile country men have when they’ve lived a lot and don’t need to prove anything. “I used to be,” he said. “But fame doesn’t sit at this table — just you and me.” The fries were getting cold, sunlight streaming through the window like an old stage light finding its way home. “Sing me one,” she said, soft but sure. He laughed. “Now? I thought you liked warm fries.” She grinned. “I like your songs better.” So he hummed — low, tender, familiar — and the little girl tapped along, off-beat but happy. When it ended, she whispered, “That was pretty.” Ricky nodded. “Yeah, darlin’. Maybe that’s what the last verse sounds like — not applause, just laughter small enough to fit in your arms.”
There’s something deeply comforting about this song — like a father’s voice guiding you through the noise of growing up. “Keep It Between the Lines” isn’t just a country tune;…