Remember that summer back in '84,
Doin' things that neither one had ever done before?
Hidin' up in that canyon where nobody could see,
There was no place we'd rather be...
We'd hop across that creek into the Great Unknown,
Our tennis shoes were balancing from stone to stone,
Climbin' up through the branches of that old oak tree,
I'd be daring you and you'd dare me...

(CH)
If I go first, will you go too?
I'm tryin' hard to look brave to you,
But this tire's old that's holding' me,
Hope this old rope holds to this tree,
If I make it back across that creek,
Then you owe me one kiss on my cheek,
After I do, will you go too
If I go first?

The autumn came early back in '89,
I couldn't see myself without your hand in mine,
Closed up early that Thursday at our family store,
Spittin' gravel all the way to your door...
Then underneath the branches of that old oak tree,
Held a tiny velvet box from my bended knee,
As the leaves started fallin', well my heart did too,
Darlin' here's me fallin' for you...

(CH)
If I go first, and say, "I do,"
Would you wanna say it too?
Then we'd be together, for now and forever,
'Til our time on Earth is through,
'Cuz you're my All, my Everything,
I'd be so proud if you'd wear my ring,
And I'll be true, would ya say, "I do,"
If I go first?

(Bridge)
With the change in the seasons,
I keep finding more reasons why
I wanna be right where we are,
And in that infinite sky,
That twinkle there in your eye
Is always gonna be my Northern Star...

The Colorado winter's comin' fast, I know,
The banks along that creek are coverin' up with snow,
Just the two of us left here now the kids have all grown,
They're raising families out there on their own...
I picture all the memories that I've shared with you,
Wouldn't change a moment even if they offered to,
See the moon through the branches shine that undying light
As the day fades into the night...

(CH)
If I go first, promise me
You'll take me back to that old oak tree,
Let the ashes fly, just set me free,
So I'll be there for eternity,
And take what's left, please take me home,
And you will never be alone,
I will live on here in this song,
If I go first...

(Copyright 2014 Guy Artuso)