This is the Moment
Carolyn Arends Lyrics

Riding along on a big yellow school bus
Reflecting on memories of the past, specifically going to school on a big yellow bus.

Elmer's glue and a brand new lunch box
Remembering the innocence of childhood, with its simple pleasures like a new lunch box and school supplies.

Writing my name for the very first time
Recalling the excitement of learning new things as a child, like how to write your own name.

With a pencil that was bigger than me
Acknowledging the fact that things that seemed so big and important in childhood were actually quite small in the grand scheme of things.

From jumping rope and skipping school
Thinking back on youthful disobedience, like skipping school or breaking rules.

To doing things that grown-ups do
Reflecting on how time flies and how quickly one transitions from being a child to becoming an adult.

Life goes by like, that big old bus
Comparing the fleeting nature of youth and time to a big yellow school bus moving quickly down the road.

If you miss it, it's history
Emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and cherishing each experience, because once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Paper dolls and paper weights
Recalling the simplicity of childhood games and playthings, like paper dolls and paper weights.

Scraped up knees and hearts that break
Acknowledging that growing up isn't always easy, and that there are often bumps and bruises along the way.

Dreams to dream and plans to make
Acknowledging the limitless possibilities that come with youth, and the desire to make big plans and dream big dreams.

Love to give and love to take
Recognizing the importance of love and relationships, both in giving and receiving.

Walking along as my life unravels
Describing the passage of time and how life can often seem to unravel before our eyes.

Looking back at the road I've travelled
Reflecting on the journey of life and the experiences that have shaped one's path.

All the things that matter most
Recognizing the importance of the small, seemingly insignificant moments and experiences that make up a life.

Have caught me by surprise
Acknowledging that the things that matter most are often unexpected and can catch us off guard.

Misty eyes and silent prayers
Describing the emotions that can arise when reflecting on the meaningful moments in life, often accompanied by tears and prayers.

Promises and secrets shared
Recognizing the importance of trust and deep connections in relationships, often built on promises and secrets shared.

Friends that keep you up all night
Acknowledging the importance of friendships that keep you laughing, talking, and enjoying life long into the night.

Laughing till you cry
Remembering the joy and release of laughter, even in the midst of difficult times.

Life's made up of little things
Emphasizing that the most important parts of life are often small moments and experiences that, when added up, make a whole and meaningful life.

Ties that bind and apron strings
Recognizing the importance of family and connections that bind us together, like apron strings.

New beginnings, old routines
Acknowledging the cyclical nature of life, with periods of excitement and new beginnings, as well as the comfort of familiar routines and traditions.

Love and heartache in between
Recognizing the joys and sorrows that come with love and relationships, and the role they play in shaping a person's life.

This is the stuff
Emphasizing that the small, everyday moments and experiences are what make life rich and meaningful.

The smallest moments
Acknowledging the importance of the little things that add up to create a full life.

I need to notice
Recognizing that it's easy to overlook the small moments, and making a deliberate effort to notice and appreciate them.

This is the stuff life is made of
Emphasizing that life is made up of all the little moments and experiences, and encouraging the listener to cherish each one.