Still You Shine

Still you shine
From the far side of the sea

You were four on my shoulders in the souk in Fès
Pointing at the lanterns, wanting every one
You learned your letters on the backs of receipts
Counted in French and Arabic for fun
Now your suitcase blocks the hallway
Two names on the label, yours and mine
You say, "Papa, don't come to the airport"
I say, "Fine," and I'm already in line

Ya binti, go on
The world is waiting on you

Still you shine, still you shine
Past the border of my arms
I can't hold what's meant to fly
Go on, my girl, still you shine

Paris calls on a Sunday night
Your voice is tired, your French is fast
You say the winter bites like needles
You say the bread there doesn't last
I tell you nothing about my knee
Or the empty chair where you used to read
I tell you the lemon tree has flowered
And your mother says you have to eat

Ya binti, go on
The world is waiting on you

Still you shine, still you shine
Past the border of my arms
I can't hold what's meant to fly
Go on, my girl, still you shine

I used to walk ahead of you
To clear the road and test the ground
Now I stand at the back of the room
And watch the road make way for you

Still you shine, still you shine
Past the border of my arms
I let go, and you're still mine
Go on, my girl, still you shine

Still you shine