[Verse 1]
Mara lifts the bakery shutters at first light
Flour on her sleeves, kettle singing bright
Past the stone wall, the creek runs clear and cold
While the church bell counts the morning slow

[Chorus]
Here where the ridge keeps watch above the lane
We trade fresh apples, mend a gate before the rain
Your porch has room, the supper pot is wide
And every winding road comes home by evening time

[Verse 2]
Old Mr. Vale stacks firewood by the shed
Children chase a red tin hoop where sheep are fed
A neighbor brings wild mint wrapped in paper twine
We leave a jar of honey on her line

[Chorus]
Here where the ridge keeps watch above the lane
We trade fresh apples, mend a gate before the rain
Your porch has room, the supper pot is wide
And every winding road comes home by evening time

[Bridge]
When winter lays its quilt across the pass
We share a loaf and watch the snowfall glass
No grand affair, just hands that know your name
And a small lamp lit when you come in from the rain

[Final Chorus]
Here where the ridge keeps watch above the lane
We trade fresh apples, mend a gate before the rain
Your porch has room, the supper pot is wide
And every winding road comes home by evening time

[Outro]
The creek keeps talking, the last windows shine
Goodnight, dear valley; tomorrow will be kind