GBGC #22: Brighten the Corner Where You Are - In Loving Memory of Grandmaphone

For years, my grandmother had been planning her funeral. She had her obituary already written according to the standard style, and speaking of herself, she wrote, "She is remembered for her friendly smile and willingness to help those in need." That is all. Her wishes for what she wanted to have sung at the looming event, as well as some other details, were written on a small piece of paper, stuck to the refrigerator with a bird-shaped magnet.

She wished for me and my siblings to perform this song, and although I am unable to go to the funeral on account of my own performances, I couldn't not grant her her dying wish:

Brighten the Corner Where You Are

1. Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
   Do not wait to shed your light afar;
   To the many duties ever near you now be true,
   Brighten the corner where you are.
   
   
   • Refrain:
     Brighten the corner where you are!
     Brighten the corner where you are!
     Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
     Brighten the corner where you are!
2. Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
   Let not narrow self your way debar;
   Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
   Brighten the corner where you are.
3. Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
   Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
   Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
   Brighten the corner where you are.

Despite her friendly smile, my grandmother often did not get jokes. I'm sure she wouldn't have understood the intrinsic silliness of the Bad Guitar Channel. I'm sure if I had had a chance to play it for her, she would have said, "Pretty." And she would have meant it.