Track 3 of the album Keep the Porch Light On · 2023
Blue Ribbon, Second Place, Still Proud
by Nina Vale
“Second place, still proud. I've lost a few pie contests myself, and this song is for those of us who did.”
soul · anthem soul · church-hall soul · 3:11
Lyrics
Saturday morning at the church hall door A table of pies and a line on the floor I baked my best with my own two hands And a judge with a pencil took notes and stands And then the little card came down Blue ribbon, second place Second place, still proud Say it out loud A ribbon on my apron And a smile I can't cover up Second place, still proud Sing it with the crowd I did my best and I showed up And that's a win right now Mrs. Dupree took the first with her peach But I got the sweetest slice in reach My neighbour said, honey, that's a fine tart You baked it with a whole big heart And the little card came down Blue ribbon, second place Second place, still proud Say it out loud A ribbon on my apron And a smile I can't cover up Second place, still proud Sing it with the crowd I did my best and I showed up And that's a win right now You don't need gold to shine You don't need the top of the stair A little blue on the hanger Is a banner in the air Clap your hands for the ones who try Clap your hands for the ones who dare I pinned it to the kitchen wall Above the flour and the spoon I'll look at it each morning Humming a happy tune For the day I came in second Was the day I felt so tall Second place, still proud Say it out loud A ribbon on my apron And a smile I can't cover up Second place, still proud Sing it with the crowd I did my best and I showed up And that's a win right now Second place, still proud Still proud