[Spoken Intro — warm, close] Happy New Year to you, my best friend Zina. [Verse 1] We learned to laugh in creaky houses, running from the porch light's glare, You squeezed my hand in dark hallways, we chased away the dare. The scent of lemon pie on Sundays, the kettle steaming slow, Tiny fingerprints on lunchbox lids — the little lives we know. [Chorus — two-line refrain, singable hook] From 1981 till forever — Zina, you're my home. [Verse 2] Remember Maple Hollow Halloween, the attic door that moaned? We hid behind the velvet curtains, then laughed until we groaned. Your grandson's sticky mitten by the backdoor in the snow, Your coat smelled like juniper and coffee — a warmth I'd always know. [Pre-Chorus ] Small rituals we kept: a crooked wreath, a whispered name, A postcard tucked in teacup cracks — nothing ever stayed the same. [Chorus — repeat] From 1981 till forever — Zina, you're my home. [Bridge — intimate memory, tighten rhythm] There was that one October night we stood beneath the porch light's hum, You pulled me close and said, "We'll go on," like the promise of a drum. We walked the paper-strewn sidewalk, the cold a silver comb, You laughed and called me silly, and I knew I wasn't alone. [Instrumental swell — short (synth pads + electric piano), cue for final chorus] (soft swell: lush pad lifts, gentle electric piano arpeggio, small string swell) [Final Chorus — with two-part harmony] From 1981 till forever — Zina, you're my home. From 1981 till forever — Zina, you're my home. [Spoken Outro — tender] From 1981 till forever — thank you, Zina, for being you. Your friend then, now, and always. With all my heart, Jess. [Arrangement Notes — Air Supply-inspired folklore arrangement] - Tempo: ~76 BPM (soft, sweeping feel). - Foundation: warm acoustic guitar fingerpicking through verses; fuller strummed rhythm on choruses. - Pads & Keys: lush synth pads underpin the soundscape; soft electric piano (warm Rhodes tone) carries gentle arpeggios. - Vocals: intimate lead (female) with light gated reverb; close two-part harmony on each chorus for emotional swell. - Additional color: subtle, sustained strings beneath the bridge; gentle cymbal swells and brushed snare for pulse. - Dynamics: keep verses delicate and conversational; build into the instrumental swell before the final chorus for a heartfelt climax.