Happy Birthday

Songtext

TO THE MOON — NICK ETTL’S ANTHEM Heavy guitars. Deep, gravelly vocals. Drums that shake the walls. [INTRO — spoken over a low guitar growl] Yeah… This one’s for the man who always shows up. Nick Ettl. Happy birthday, brother. Turn this shit UP. [VERSE 1 — gritty rap] You’re the first one there when the whole thing breaks, The last one leaving ’cause you know what’s at stake. Put your people first, never checking the score, Got enough on your shoulders, still taking on more. Noah and Logan, your twin boys growing, Watching how you live, even when you ain’t knowing. Chloe’s got a dad she can count on for life, And beautiful Danielle standing strong by your side. Dogs at your feet when you finally sit down, Kids in your lap, best damn seat in town. You don’t need a spotlight, don’t need that crown— But tonight, brother, we’re shaking this ground! [CHORUS — big, shouted rock vocals] HEY, NICK! THIS NIGHT’S FOR YOU! Raise ’em up high, let the whole room move! Life would suck without you—yeah, that’s the truth! PHOENIX GARDENS, STRAIGHT TO THE MOON! Through the hard days, through the good, You’ve stood beside us like a brother should. ETTLS AND RAKESTRAWS—STANDING STRONG! Happy birthday, brother—THIS IS YOUR SONG! [VERSE 2 — deep, driving rap] From the Venue to Sacramento nights, To the Castle days—my boy for life. Some friends fade when the road gets rough, You pull up asking, “Who needs what?” Never made us earn a place at your table, Gave what you could, showed up when able. And all that love that you keep handing out? Tonight it comes back—hear the whole crowd shout! Eric and Haley, we love your whole crew, To the moon and back, every word rings true. Danielle and the kids, all the memories we’ve made— That’s the kind of bond that the years don’t change. [BRIDGE — quiet, gravelly, then building] Brother, you don’t have to carry it all. You’ve got our number. You make that call. For every damn time you’ve helped us through— Know we’d do the same for you. [BREAKDOWN — pounding drums, crowd chant] NICK! ETTL! LET THE WALLS SHAKE! NICK! ETTL! TONIGHT WE CELEBRATE! Family beside you! Your friends in the room! PHOENIX GARDENS— TO THE FUCKING MOON! [FINAL CHORUS — full band, all voices] HEY, NICK! THIS NIGHT’S FOR YOU! Raise ’em up high, let the whole room move! Life would suck without you—yeah, that’s the truth! PHOENIX GARDENS, STRAIGHT TO THE MOON! From the Venue to the Castle, every mile along, ETTLS AND RAKESTRAWS—STANDING STRONG! Eric and Haley, to the moon and back— WE LOVE YOU, BROTHER! REMEMBER THAT! [OUTRO — spoken as the guitars ring out] Happy birthday, Nick. Amazing dad. Husband. Friend. My boy for life. Now somebody get this man a damn birthday cake.