(Hallelujah)
Oh, we celebrate eighty years of grace today!
Rising Star, Sunday mornings, two little girls so sweet
Nine and eleven, rhythm in our souls and gospel in our feet
Ruthie was shy, didn't want to raise her voice up high
But my Mama said, 'Girl, sing out!' beneath that Georgia sky
From the church house pews to the jelly cake and lemonade
Sixty years of sisterhood, a foundation that we laid
Mrs. Rodger’s house, Sunday fried chicken on the plate
God blessed me with a sister, and I’m here to celebrate
Oh, Ruthie, eighty years of walking in the light
My sister of choice, you make the future look so bright
Through the Sunday night services and the 11 PM curfew calls
You’ve been my steady rock, you’ve been standing through it all
Yes Lord, we thank You for Ruthie, a treasure so divine
Sixty years of friendship, turning water into wine
We traveled ‘cross the oceans, England, France, and Germany too
From Palm Springs to the coast, there was nothing we couldn't do
I hate the busy malls, but you were my shopper, sharp and keen
The most stylish sister that this world has ever seen
When my daddy needed comfort, you were standing by the door
When I moved my mama home, you were there to help once more
You called them every week, you were the daughter they adored
Thank You Jesus for the grace that You have poured
Oh, Ruthie, eighty years of walking in the light
My sister of choice, you make the future look so bright
Through the Sunday night services and the 11 PM curfew calls
You’ve been my steady rock, you’ve been standing through it all
Yes Lord, we thank You for Ruthie, a treasure so divine
Sixty years of friendship, turning water into wine
Henry and Corey, the leather pants and the love we shared
Across the miles and moving states, you’ve always been there
Not by blood, but by the spirit, a bond that’s made to last
We’re singing out your praises, letting go of the past
Praise Him for the milestones, praise Him for the years
You’ve wiped away my sorrow and you’ve prayed away my fears
From Pittsburgh to North Carolina, you traveled by my side
Through every season of life, with nothing left to hide
Administrator of the state, but royalty in my heart
I knew from the beginning we would never be apart
Eighty years of wisdom, eighty years of living true
God, I thank You every day that You gave me Ruthie, too
Oh, Ruthie, eighty years of walking in the light
My sister of choice, you make the future look so bright
Through the Sunday night services and the 11 PM curfew calls
You’ve been my steady rock, you’ve been standing through it all
Yes Lord, we thank You for Ruthie, a treasure so divine
Sixty years of friendship, turning water into wine
Happy 80th birthday, my dear Ruthie
(Glory, glory, hallelujah)
My sister of choice, forever and a day
(Amen, amen)
We praise Him for your life, Ruthie!
(Thank You Jesus, yes Lord)
Eighty years of love, eighty years of grace.