This was written for young Ixaya, for his thirteenth birthday.
Adanta and Luis’s Testimonial on "Ixaya's Birthday Song" and "Lily of the Valley":
Susan Shann has brought so much light and joy to my family's life through her music. It is more than just music though. It is her seemingly effortless and abundant way with translating feeling and love into poetry and lyrics that can stand alone or be put to music. She has recently created two very special pieces of art for my children's birthdays that I know they will cherish forever! My son Ixaya (13) was in tears about his song (Ixaya’s Birthday Song) and my daughter Alheli - aka Lily- sings her song almost daily (Lily of the Valley).
I appreciate the artistry that Susan continues to bless our lives with and look forward to many more years of enjoyment and love!
Lyrics
Ixaya’s Birthday Song / Susan B. Shann / ©2021
A young man with a keen imagination
So full of spirit and full of life
Spend your days in a world of your creation
With grandpa right by your side
Teaching you the wonders and the mysteries
‘Cause there’s so much more than the eyes can see
Ixaya, you’re a light in the dark, and you’ll always find your way
Ixaya, you’re a lover at heart, and I know that’s how you’ll stay
Oh, the rocks and the trees, and the bugs and the bees
They’re calling out your name
Ixaya, don’t ever change
Now you’re thirteen, got your very first mustache
You’re not a little boy anymore
But you still love hot cocoa and playing your Minecraft
Sometimes you hide when it’s time to do chores
Take your time, don’t grow up too fast
‘Cause your family’s right here, and they’ve got your back
Ixaya, you’re a light in the dark, and you’ll always find your way
Ixaya, you’re a lover at heart, and I know that’s how you’ll stay
Oh, the rocks and the trees, and the bugs and the bees
They’re calling out your name
Ixaya, don’t ever change
When the school day’s done, you can go out and run
With Lily and Grandpa in the Springtime sun
Ixaya, you’re a light in the dark, and you’ll always find your way
Ixaya, you’re a lover at heart, and I know that’s how you’ll stay
Oh, the rocks and the trees, and the bugs and the bees
They’re calling out your name
Ixaya, don’t ever change
Ixaya, happy birthday!!