This past weekend I was fortunate enough to take part in a 90th birthday celebration for Doc Stevens. There was a large crowd of well-wishers in attendance, a testament to the many lives Doc has touched over the years.

Last week I was thinking about Doc, and his many contributions to the community of Lignite, and a song began to take shape. When a song begins to take shape one never knows how much effort will be required to get its final form to reveal itself. This one wrote itself.

I had planned on giving the song to Doc sometime before or sometime after his party, but my Uncle Tim had other plans, and not so subtly told me during the party to get my guitar and shut up and sing. Tim’s a good uncle, and a nephew should always listen to a good uncle. I owe him that much for my brothers and I destroying his toys and peace and quiet when we were growing up.

The song’s title is “Doc”, and if you want to strum along the chords are G, D, and C. Thanks for everything Doc, and thank you to his family for putting together a wonderful celebration. A worthwhile hangover indeed.

“Doc”

90-years young they say
Old isn’t old if you don’t see it that way
A renaissance man in Lignite you’ll find
Isn’t much that Doc hasn’t given a try

Built Friday night lights for the football team
Lit up the night so us small town boys could dream
You can find his mark all over this place
Rutabagas for Halloween just to see the look on your face

Chorus:
Welding steel, bending iron
Making wine and beer for all to try
Quilts and mittens for that North Dakota wind
Lignite is home because of people like him

Lost the love of his life a few years back
Some welds break, I suppose life is like that
But he’s got his kids and he’s showed them the way
A torch in the night that refuses to fade away

90-years young that’s what they say
Old isn’t old if you don’t see it that way
A renaissance man in Lignite you’ll find
Isn’t much that Doc hasn’t given a try

Chorus:
Welding steel, bending iron
Making wine and beer for all to try
Quilts and mittens for that North Dakota wind
Lignite is home because of people like him
Lignite is home because of people like him