When You're 21

Now, y'was just a young fellah, Son

The night your poor Mama died

And you don't remember it now

Why,we was both right there by Mama's side

Ya see, your Ma had this sickness, Boy

From all the hard work she'd done

And she prayed all of her life

That God would let her raise her baby to be twenty-one

Aw, me and you never moved into town, Boy

We just kept on livin' out here

And life's been pretty bad

For the past twenty-one years

Aw, I remember now when you was a little fellah

And I used to take my boy to church

And I seen you in the choir with them other young'uns

And it gave this heart a jerk

Ah, you sounded like a little bitty angel, Boy

And to Papa you sure did look sweet

Even though your little ragged britches

They came half-way to your skinny little knees

After the service was all over

Aw, it always filled your Papa's heart with joy

The good Preacher'd step down

And he'd pat your little head and then he'd say

"Carlin, you've got yourself a fine little boy"

Then me and you'd get in the wagon, Child

And you'd look over towards me

And you know, you just smiled an'

Why, I'd hand you the lines,

And I'd let you drive for a little while

Oh I guess life has been tough

For me, and for you too Son

And I know tonight that I've prayed all of my life

That I could raise my baby to be twenty-one

So tonight, Son

Livin' the life down here is about over

And my work's on earth about done

Maybe now I'll get to go see the Lord and to live with your Mama

Aw, thank you Lord

'Cause tonight my baby is twenty-one

Precious, sacred scenes untold