Grandparents are to be cherished if you are blessed enough to have them in your life. Our grandparents give us love and happy memories from the day we are born till the day they leave us. And they provide us with a living glimpse of where we come from, and this forms part of who we are.
We need to pay homage to the special people in our lives. And grandma and grandpa are sometimes two of the most important people in anyone’s life. Luckily, there have been plenty of artists who have given praise to their grandparents in their songs.
That’s why I decided to take a look at some of the best songs about grandparents and the older generation. These tracks are in no particular order. Let’s get started with…
Contents
Top 105 Best Songs About Grandparents
1
Show Some Respect by Bobby Wills
Album: If It Was That Easy
The opening track from the Wills’ second album reminds us to do that all-important thing when it comes to our Grandparents. The track has a simple arrangement that suits the message perfectly.
Nothing fancy, just be polite, mind your manners, and give respect where it’s due when it comes to Grandma and Grandpa.
2
Slipped Away by Avril Lavigne
Album: Under My Skin
Another Canadian singer and another second album. This time, the track is not the opener but sits at the tail end of Avril’s Platinum-selling second studio effort.
“Slipped Away” was dedicated to Avril’s grandfather, who had passed away while she was on tour. The two were very close, and the grief was nearly enough to make the singer cancel her show for the evening. But, in the end, she did not disappoint her fans.
This is a sad song about grandfathers. But, it also holds tremendous power and can help if you find yourself in an unconsolable place due to a similar loss.
3
I’ll Be Seeing You By Billie Holiday
Album: Complete Commodore Masters
This song would have toiled in obscurity had it not been for the play and film in which it featured. Originally written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, the track was included in the Broadway musical “Right This Way,” which only lasted fifteen nights.
It would later inspire the name of a 1944 hit drama film. Thanks to this exposure, the song became a big hit. Perhaps even one of the early examples of a “sleeper.”
When we lose a loved one…
Such as a grandparent, it’s nice to think of a place where you might see them one day. That is the central message of this wonderful song dedicated to grandparents.
There are many great recordings of the tune. But I’ve chosen Billie’s because her version is the last thing that was broadcast to the Voyager spacecraft right before it slipped beyond the reach of Nasa.
4
When You Are Old by Martina McBride
Album: The Time Has Come
Once more, a reminder that the older folks in our lives are to be cherished and to never miss an opportunity to spend time with them. You never know when it might be too late. You’ll want your kids and grandkids to visit you when you are that age, so best put in all the time you can now, right?
5
Grandma By Gretchen Wilson
Album: Right On Time
From Wilson’s fifth studio album comes this treasure of a song about an old lady. She hasn’t got any time left to do and say all she wants to do and say. But, she goes through the trouble of leaving her grandchild with some sage advice before paying her toll to the ferryman and departing this world.
6
Clancy’s Tavern By Toby Keith
Album: Clancy’s Tavern
Why not follow a song about a great-grandma with another one about a great-grandma? This one comes from Tony Keith’s fifteenth studio album. It’s a dedication to his hard-working grandmother, who owned and ran a tavern in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
“She was like Miss Kitty and ran a supper club in Fort Smith for years. So when I was a kid, some of the earliest memories I have of being on this earth were going by her club and seeing my Grandmother.”
This fantastic track is not the first to be inspired by Keith’s Grandmother. No doubt, one of the best songs about grandparents.
7
HonkyTonk U by Toby Keith
Album: Honkytonk University
Toby’s road to becoming a successful musician was marked by summers spent working behind the bar and stage at his grandmother’s tavern.
Late at night, after closing, he would sit with the band and try to learn what he could. The opening track from his biggest record to date relates these experiences wonderfully.
Many would describe the single as one of Keith’s signature songs. It surely is one of his most successful. “HonkyTonk U” made it to #8 on the Country charts in the US and managed #6 in Canada.
8
Let It Be by The Beatles
Album: Let It Be
Yes, I know this track was inspired by a dream that McCartney said he had about his mother. But, he also said in a later interview that listeners should interpret it any way they choose. When placed in the context of thinking about one’s grandparents, this track can have great meaning and beauty.
“Let It Be” is a multi-platinum single that shot to #1 in more than ten countries and went on to become of the greatest Beatles songs ever composed. Perhaps one of the greatest songs ever composed, period.
9
Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice
Album: Love Like Crazy
A record-breaking Country track from Brice’s debut album inspired by the long and enduring marriage of his grandparents. The track tells of an old man who looks back on some rash choices he’s had to make in life.
Many of those choices could be called “crazy.” Yet, he was able to follow through with confidence, thanks to the support of his ever-faithful and wise wife.
“Love Like Crazy” was Brice’s fourth single. It went on to become a double-platinum hit, and it broke the record for the longest run on the Hot Country Songs chart at 55 weeks.
10
They Don’t Make Em Like They Used To Anymore by Jason Blaine
Album: Life So Far
You’ve probably heard stories that started with “Back in my Day” or “When I Was Your Age” before and wondered whether they could be true. Sometimes, it seems as though our parents and grandparent weren’t raised on the same planet as we were.
This brilliantly written track by Jason Blaine relates the wonder we sometimes feel at the character and experience that our elders have. Often in doubt as to whether we’ll be able to become half as cool or interesting as they were.
11
Ellsworth by Rascal Flatts
Album: Me and My Gang
You might feel a pang of anger towards me for placing this track on a list of the best songs about grandparents. It’s not that I find a lost old lady with Alzheimer’s funny; I don’t find it funny at all. And, neither do the writers of this great tune.
It might be a cold glass of water in the face, but this track paints a very real picture that we simply choose to ignore sometimes.
12
Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers
Album: Just As I Am
One of the greatest songs about a grandma ever, sung by one of the greatest voices ever. It’s from Bill’s seminal debut album and was one of his very first and most enduring hits.
The track tells of the love and care he received from his grandmother. Bill’s family had been slaves, and the complex nature of the lives his grandparents led comes through in this simple recording. More than anything, it is a strong message about the unique and tender love of a grandmother.
The single reached #18 on the Best-Selling Soul Singles chart and broke the Top 50 on the Billboard hot 100, peaking at #48.
13
Tell You Something (Nana’s Surprise) by Alicia Keys
Album: As I Am
One of the main reasons to cherish your grandparents is the tremendous amount of wisdom you can gain from spending time with them.
This often-overlooked jewel from Alicia’s third album conveys this sentiment most exquisitely. If you’re a Keys fan and you like “Show Me Love,” then this one is a must-listen.
14
Together (Grandma and Grandpa’s Song) by Brett Kissel
Album: Started With A Song
The closing track from Brett’s sophomore album is by no means a “filler.” The track is a heartfelt expression of finding closure.
Closure is something Kissel should know quite a bit about, having lost his Grandparents to a tragic accident. This track should be relatable to folks in similar situations who struggle to let go and move on.
15
He Walked On Water by Randy Travis
Album: No Holdin’ Back
Allen Shamblin used his great-grandfather as inspiration for this fantastic track that would end up on Randy Travis’s fourth studio offering. The track expresses the admiration and almost meta-human picture many boys paint of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers.
Whether you met them or not, it feels as if you know a part of them due to the tales of their lives that still live on. The single was #2 on the Country charts in the US and made it to #1 in Canada.
16
Raymond by Brett Eldredge
Album: Bring You Back
Putting a track with as much shade on it as this one on a debut Country album is a ballsy move. And the fact that Eldredge was able to pull it off so beautifully attests to his prowess as a musician.
The track tells the tale of an elderly lady who is living in a home where she constantly mistakes the caretakers or medical staff for her son Raymond. If you’ve ever experienced one of your older relatives not recognizing you, then you know how sad it can be.
The single peaked at #23 on the US Hot Country Songs Chart.
17
Grandpa’s Spaceship by Logic
Album: Bobby Tarantino II
This one is a bit silly, but sometimes that’s what you get to be with your grandad. If your relationship with your grandfather was based on a lot of great laughs together, this will be a great track for you. It will be doubly special if you also happen to be a Rick and Morty fan.
18
Dear Mamma by 2Pac
Album: Me Against The World
Once again, we must make use of our powers of interpretation for this one. The lead single from 2Pac’s historic album was about his mother, and it detailed a very troubled life and childhood.
If you look past those details, however, you will see that the message is a very deep respect and love that remains no matter what. That is something that we all feel towards our parents and grandparents, no matter our situation.
The triple-platinum single topped the Hot Rap singles chart for five weeks and became 2Pac’s first Top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at #9. It is one of the most enduring Rap and Hip Hop songs of all time.
19
Grandma by A$ap Ferg
Album: Always Strive and Prosper
Sticking to Hip-Hop and R&B, we have this heartfelt little gem. If you were smart enough to listen to the entire album, then you no doubt latched onto this song as much as I did.
Many of us wish we could have shared all our current successes and achievements with our grandparents. And, those of us who are lucky enough to, can listen to this track and be grateful for that gift. Easily one of the best songs about grandparents.
20
Grandma’s Feather Bed by John Denver
Album: John Denver’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2
Spending holidays or weekends with grandparents is a memory shared by many, the great John Denver included. For him, spending time at his grandmother’s house is one of the most enduring and vivid recollections of his youth.
The image engraved into his mind was his grandmother’s big feather bed. That image stayed with him for years and eventually fermented into this memorable song about grandparents.
21
Vernie by Blind Melon
Album: Soup
This track was inspired by Shannon Hoon’s grandmother. She used to make a point of telling the young Hoon, “I Love You,” before leaving. Although this occurrence quickly grew to be a mundane ritual to Shanon, he realized the value of it later in life.
Reminding our loved ones of the love you share is important since you never know when it will be your last chance. The track is about Hoon’s regret he feels for not being more like his grandmother at times.
22
Helena by My Chemical Romance
Album: Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
The opening track from MCR’s multi-platinum second record draws heavy inspiration from The Misfits’ track of the same name. This is by no means slander. If you’re going to steal, steal from good stock.
The track serves a dual purpose…
It starts the narrative of the entire album (a man and a woman getting into a car crash, but only she survives). And it is also a tribute track to Gerard Way’s grandmother. She was the main artistic inspiration in his life, being the one who taught him how to draw, paint, and sing.
Anyone who wishes they could communicate just one last message to their departed grandparents will be able to relate to this track.
23
Look What You’ve Done by Drake
Album: Take Care
An overlooked track from Drakes’s multi-platinum masterpiece. It’s easy to get lost in all the feature tracks with the likes of Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Birdman, and Nicki Minaj.
Hidden between those are tracks like this one that reminds us of not only Drake’s incredible mind but his heart as well.
The rapper pays homage to family and friends throughout the song. However, it is the voice of his grandmother that you can hear in the audio snippet at the very end of the song.
24
I’m My Own Grandpa by Willie Nelson
Album: Rainbow Connection
This track isn’t one of Willie’s originals. But, his rendition of this late 40s Lonzo and Oscar track is perhaps the most memorable of all the ones out there.
The track was inspired by a small book of Mark Twain’s anecdotes and humor. A great song to enjoy with your grandad.
25
Grandpa Told Me So by Kenny Chesney
Album: All I Need To Know
Sitting with your grandad while he regales you with tales from his past is a cherished memory for many of us. Many of us regard our grandfathers as the wisest men we know. This track is all about having faith in the truth of a matter because your grandad told it to you.
This song was the final single from Chesney’s second album, and it peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
26
Grandpa (Tell Me Bout The Good Old Days) by The Judds
Album: Rockin’ With The Rhythm
Arguably one of the greatest Country songs of all time. The second track from the mother-daughter duo is a lyrical posing of a bunch of questions.
So often, the world that our grandparents occupied seems a mere fantasy. That is why the child in this song wants to know whether lovers stayed together forever, whether people kept their promises, etc.
The single became #1 on the Country charts in the US and Canada. It also won two Grammys, one for Country Duo performance and one for Country songwriting. If you want one of the best songs about grandparents, this is worth a listen.
27
Sonny by New Found Glory
Album: Sticks and Stones
Saying goodbye to a beloved grandparent is never an easy thing. Lead singer of New Found Glory chose to process the difficulty of his grief through the third song from the group’s fantastic Sticks and Stones album.
This song is about saying goodbye to his beloved grandfather, who was called Sonny. The acoustic version is almost better than the original, if you ask me.
If you are having trouble saying goodbye, here’s a tender song about grandfathers that might not help you find answers, but it will at least make you feel less alone.
28
Lonely Road by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Album: Lonely Road
Some of us depend on our grandparents for sage advice when we are in tight situations or just feeling hopeless sometimes.
The narrator in this track from RJA’s second album is seeking advice from his grandfather. His grandfather catches him a bit off guard by telling him that sometimes it’s worth taking the road that is less traveled.
Sometimes, we forget that what is normal now was once considered renegade and “out there.” We must have respect for the courage of our grandparents must have had to adopt a new way of living and thinking. This track can serve as a great reminder of that.
29
Granddaddy’s Gun by Blake Shelton
Album: Based On A True Story
Gun control and owning a firearm are touchy subjects these days. So, just putting the word in the title of a song might be considered foolish by some.
The fact of the matter is that this song isn’t about the gun, and Blake knew that when he recorded it. It’s about the bonding that this object inspired and the memories it holds. Not just for one person, but two or three or however many people end up owning the thing.
30
That’s What Grandpas Do by Gord Bamford
Album: Neon Smoke
How many songs about wise grandparents can there be? Well, the truth is not enough. Here we have a track about how your grandad teaches you the right things.
Not by preaching like a pastor but by living the things he believes in. Opening the door for ladies, being polite, removing your hat, etc., are things you learn by seeing your grandad do them.
31
My Angel by Kellie Pickler
Album: Small Town Girl
The closing track from Pickler’s album, Small Town Girl, speaks to those who may have been raised by their grandparents. It could also appeal to those who have had their grandparents and parents share the work of raising them, and they view them as second parents.
We often feel that they are like guardian angels. And that’s the sentiment this lovely song about living with grandparents expresses.
32
Nan’s Song by Robbie Williams
Album: Escapology
The closing track from Robbie Wiliams’ fifth studio album is about his beloved grandmother with whom he had a very close relationship. The track holds importance to Williams. Not just because of the subject matter but because it was the first track he’s ever written by himself.
Anyone who had a special relationship with their gran will be able to listen to this track and understand where it’s coming from. Letting go is never easy, but doing it right can make a huge difference, and this track is a healthy way of letting go.
33
We Live Again by Beck
Album: Mutations
Beck’s grandfather was a very interesting man named Al Hansen, who was an artist of some renown himself. He was known for an avant-garde style that made use of whatever he could find. This rubbed off on his grandson, and Beck’s experimental nature has never left him.
Beck references his grandfather turning “shit into gold” in the first verse. This is a reference to taking young Beck and his brother on a trip to scour for trash like cigarette buds and broken glass. Al would use those things in the paint on his canvases and clay in his sculptures.
“I began to sell my work regularly, and I was a successful alchemist. I was literally turning shit into gold.” This track is Beck’s way of paying tribute to a man that played a seminal role in helping him become the person and amazing artist he now is.
34
Grandma’s Theme by John Mellencamp
Album: Scarecrow
Grandmas around the world should hear this song at least once in their life. Mellencamp’s young voice in such a minimal setting helps to give this simple message about appreciating your gran so much more power.
Loss is a terrible thing that can stick with you for a long time. This track conveys that loss without any dressing or fancy decoration, which is what makes it such a beautiful song. This track is often a request at celebrations of the lives of past loved ones.
35
Tomorrow by U2
Album: October
Bono only realized that this song was about his mother’s death after the band had finished recording it. He also stated that many people told him that the track helped them cope with the sadness of having to bury a loved one, including grandparents.
The track’s message may have been specified in the writing process, but it became universal the moment other ears started hearing it. The song features a beautiful recording of Vinnie Killduff playing a traditional Irish instrument called the Uiliean Pipes.
36
Forever Changed by Carrie Underwood
Album: Blown Away
“It’s one that you listen to in a quiet moment, you know, in a quiet setting and where you can dive into the words. So I just don’t feel it’s right in a giant arena setting.”
I’m afraid the above quote will shatter Underwood fans’ dreams of ever seeing her perform this beautiful track live.
The song revolves around a woman who has a daughter and gets Alzheimer’s. Underwood recalled that it made her think of her late grandmother, whom she dearly loved. Give this one a listen, and you should understand why even Underwood says it’s too emotional for a live setting.
37
Grandma’s Song by Gail Davies
Album: Gail Davies
Gail Davies wrote, recorded, and produced her debut album by herself. She did it all in one session at the “Producer’s Workshop” in Hollywood.
“Grandma’s Song” is one of the most enduring tracks from that album. It features Gail’s grandmother singing a short snippet of the Fox Hunting song at the very beginning.
Our grandparents are the ones who inspire us…
And lift our spirits when we find ourselves a bit low. This track is all about being grateful for the power that we gain from our Granny since they always put smiles on our faces.
Grandma’s song became Gail’s fourth Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it peaked at #9.
38
Better Days by Dianne Reeves
Album: Dianne Reeves
Dianne wrote this song shortly after her grandmother passed away. Coincidently, the writer she was working with, Tony Lorrich, had also lost his mother shortly before the two met for the session.
“Better Days” is one of the tracks that resulted from that meeting, and it is a gorgeous piece of music. Whether you use this to relate to a grandparent or not, the message remains the same.
39
Grandma’s Garden by Zac Brown
Album: Southern Family
In 2016, Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell producer Dave Cobb had curated a list of songs for their multi-artist concept album before recording even began. When Zac came in for his session, he pulled this wonderful little song out of his back pocket, and it instantly became good enough for the record.
There is nothing but Zac’s sweet voice and a fantastic string arrangement. So, you get to sink into those lyrics about his family’s matriarch.
40
Affair Love by Ed Sheeran
Album: x
A strange piece of trivia about this song is that it samples a section of the theme from “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” Random, I know, but that’s music for you.
Ample sources aside, it’s a very pretty song that Sheeran penned after the passing of his grandad. With a voice like his, the sorrow of loss becomes even more visceral.
41
You Can Let Go by Crystal Shawanda
42
Grandpa Was A Carpenter by John Prine
43
Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days) by The Judds
44
The Living Years by Mike & The Mechanics
45
Don’t Forget to Remember Me by Carrie Underwood
46
Grandparents by Rosanne Cash
47
Grandpa by Justin Moore
48
Grandpa’s Farm by Frank Sinatra Jr.
49
Grandma’s Hands by Meg Mac
50
My Grandfather’s Clock by Johnny Cash
More 105 Best Songs About Grandparents
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- In My Life by The Beatles
- Grandpa’s Old Brown Jacket by The Kingston Trio
- Grandma’s Garden by Zac Brown Band
- Grandpa’s Beer by Tom T. Hall
- Old Folks At Home by Paul Robeson
- Grandpa’s Little Farm by John Denver
- Grandmas Feather Bed by Jim Henson
- Grandma’s Song by Gail Davies
- The Goodbye Song by Miley Cyrus
- Papa Was A Rolling Stone by The Temptations
- Granny Takes A Trip by The Purple Gang
- Mama’s Pearl by The Jackson 5
- Grandma Told Me So by Kenny Chesney
- Grandpa’s Interview by Hank Williams Jr.
- Grandma by Mike Curb Congregation
- Grandfather by Leon Russell
- Papa Was a Rodeo by The Magnetic Fields
- The Story of Grandpa’s Chair by The Pines
- Ode to My Grandparents by Maggie Rogers
- The One Who Knows by Dar Williams
- Grandma’s Tattoos by Regina Spektor
- Grandaddy by Kev Carmody
- Nana’s Song by Yael Naim
- Grandma and Grandpa by Jessica Harper
- The Grandparents Song by Joel Mabus
- Grandpa’s Cough Medicine by Johnny Cash
- I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday
- When I’m Sixty-Four by The Beatles
- Grandmother’s Song by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
- Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold
- You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- Love Without End, Amen by George Strait
- Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
- Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen
- The Night We Called It a Day by Frank Sinatra
- All of Me by Louis Armstrong
- Stand By Me by Ben E. King
- Sunrise, Sunset by Jerry Bock
- Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
- When You Wish Upon a Star by Cliff Edwards
- Danny Boy by Eva Cassidy
- My Funny Valentine by Frank Sinatra
- The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand
- Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra
- The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
- Remember When by Alan Jackson
- Old Man by Neil Young
- Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland
- The Best Day by Taylor Swift
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies
- Ain’t That a Kick in the Head by Dean Martin
- Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
- You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & The Pacemakers
- Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
- That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine by Gene Autry
- You Needed Me by Anne Murray
- I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
- The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
- You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
- Grandmother’s Prayer by Gladys Knight
- The Wind by Cat Stevens
- My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
- The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
- Song for My Grandfather by Josh Ritter
- Grandparents’ Day Song by A.J. Jenkins
- Grandpa’s Fiddle by Johnny Gimble
- A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill
- I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
- Grandpa’s Theme by Randy Newman
- You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor
- In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLachlan
- Your Song by Elton John
- Grandpa’s Garden by John Denver
- Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel
- All My Ex’s Live in Texas by George Strait
- My Grandfather’s Hat by Steve Goodman
- Nan’s Song by Robbie Williams
- Pop Pop by Chrisette Michele
- Remember Me This Way by Jordan Hill
- Nana by Trey Songz
- Dear Grandma by The Sweet
- I Love My Grandpa by Raffi
- Granny Cool by Madonna
- Nan You’re A Window Shopper by Lily Allen
- Grandpa’s Spells by Jelly Roll Morton
- Grandma’s Old Feather Bed by Peter, Paul and Mary
- Grandma’s 45s by Charlie Louvin
- Mawmaw’s Song by Jimmy Buffett
- Nana Song by The 1975
- Grandaddy’s Gun by Aaron Lewis
- Memories Of Grandma by The Statler Brothers
- My Grandmother’s Love Letters by Hart Crane
- Papa, Can You Hear Me? by Barbra Streisand
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Elmo & Patsy
- Grandmother Song by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
- Grandpa’s Advice by The Corries
- Grandpa’s Song by Phil Vassar
- Grandma’s Tea by Birdy
- Grandpa’s Way Of Life by Glen Campbell
- My Grandpa by Tammy Wynette
- Grandpa’s Hands by T. Graham Brown
- Grandma’s Sitting In The Corner by Jerry Lee Lewis
Looking for More Great Songs?
Well, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Heroes, the Best Songs About Friendship, the Best Songs About Dreams, the Top Songs About Home, the Best Songs About Brothers, and the Best Songs About Heaven for more incredible song selections.
Of course, you need to hear them. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones for Music, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Headphones Under $200, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, and the Best True Wireless Earbuds you can buy in 2023.
Best Songs About Grandparents – Final Thoughts
Our grandparents are jewels in our lives, meant to be cherished, celebrated, and remembered. They teach us wisdom, patience, and kindness. And, when we lose them, we are often overcome with guilt for not having told them we love them enough.
So, why not listen to a few of these tunes and ring up granny and grandad for a visit? I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.
Until next time, happy listening.
