[Verse 1]
He shakes your hand, says “Michael’s the name,”
Walks like a man who don’t care for fame.
But the folks who know him, they smile and say,
“Hey Tío, you gonna help us today?”

From Long Island shores to the desert stone,
He wandered the maps but never alone.
‘Til the Four Corners sky and a canyon breeze,
Whispered “This is where you plant your knees.”

[Chorus]
🎵 Gramps to the little ones, Tío to the crew,
Michael when he’s meetin’ someone new.
He’s got calloused hands and a heart full of gold,
And a story that gets better every time it’s told.
With a hammer in hand and no need to roam,
He’s the man, yeah, the man… who calls it home.

[Verse 2]
He’s hauled concrete, taught in schools,
Settled dustups, worked with tools.
He’s the first to show when there’s work to do,
And the last to leave when the light fades through.

Durango’s trails are worn by his feet,
He knows every canyon, every mesa seat.
And now he walks those same old paths,
With Sidney laughing and holding his hand.

[Verse 3 – Sally’s Verse]
Then came Sally with a spark so true,
A partner in love and in all he'd do.
She steadied his heart like the mountain air,
Built a home with grace and quiet care.
Through every season, every climb—
She's been his compass, every time.

[Chorus]
🎵 Gramps to the grandkids, and another on the way,
Tío with a smile that brightens your day.
Michael when the handshake’s firm and true,
But always the same in all he’ll do.
He don’t need fame or a house of stone—
He’s the man, yeah, the man… who calls it home.

[Bridge – Gentle, Soulful Pickin’]
Three times retired, but not once slowed down,
Still the first one up when there’s work in town.
He’ll say “It’s perfect” even when it’s not,
‘Cause he sees the good in the mess you’ve got.

[Final Chorus – Harmonies Rise]
🎵 Gramps to the babies, leader of the pack,
Tío with a tool belt and strong, steady back.
Michael’s his name, but more than it seems—
He’s the keeper of stories, the builder of dreams.
With love in his bones and no urge to roam,
He’s the man, yeah, the man… who calls it home.

[Outro – Fiddle & Guitar Fade]
🎵 He’s the man… yeah, the man… who calls it home.
Durango skies above… and family below.

The Man Who Calls It Home (Sally edition)

Smiling Joe