Michael
L. Frank Lyrics

Michael is you, he has your face, he still has your eyes
The person being addressed is Michael, who resembles the singer and has their eyes.

Remember, Peter is me, 'cept when he smiles
The singer identifies with Peter, except when Peter is happy.

And if you look at them both for a while You can see they are you, they are me
After observation, it becomes clear that both Michael and Peter share qualities with both the singer and the person being addressed.

This spring we had some heavy rain, my summer it was dry again The roses that we planted last fall climb the wall I think the house could use some paint, you know your mother's such a saint She takes the boys whenever she can, she sure needs a man
The artist's recent weather experiences included both heavy rain in the spring and a dry summer. Roses that were planted in the fall have grown and are climbing the wall. The artist feels the house could use a fresh coat of paint, and mentions that the person being addressed's mother often takes care of the children and could use a partner.

All those years I've worked for Santa Fe, never ever missed a single day Just one more without a raise in pay, and I'm leavin'
The artist has worked for Santa Fe for many years without ever missing a day, but is considering leaving due to a lack of salary increase.

And the air still has a country smell, and everyone is looking well As far as anyone can tell, the sun will rise tomorrow
The air smells like the country and everyone appears healthy. Despite any uncertainties, it is assumed that the sun will rise tomorrow.

You'll never believe how much they're growin' John Henry came to cut the lawn, again he asked me where you'd gone Can't tell you all the times he's been told, but he's so old Guess that's all the news I've got today, least that's all the news that I can say
The children being referred to in previous lines have grown significantly. The singer mentions that John Henry, presumably a lawn maintenance worker, has repeatedly asked about the person being addressed's whereabouts. The singer has told him many times, but believes John Henry's age may be impairing his memory. This is all the news the singer has to convey.

Maybe soon the words will come my way tomorrow
The artist hopes to receive more news or information soon.

You'll never believe how much they're growin' You'll never believe how much they're growin' You'll never believe how much they're growin' You'll never believe how much they're growin'
The children being referred to have grown so much that it is hard to believe.