THE MUSIC TREE
(COPYRIGHT JBPITSINGER 2013)

The ancient tree stood all alone where the corner store had been
Spent many hours there in her shade with my guitar in hand
Dreaming about some teenage crush and writing simple songs
About lovers I had never loved and things I’d never done

HOW I DREADED SATURDAY MORNINGS, ‘CAUSE JUST BEFORE DAYBREAK
MY DAD WOULD COME INTO MY ROOM AND GIVE MY BED A SHAKE
DRAG ME FROM MY WARM COCOON AND MAKE ME GO WITH HIM
TO OUR COUNTRY STORE TO DO MY CHORES AND HELP US MAKE A LIVING

WE’D CLIMB INTO HIS BUICK, AND WE’D HEAD ON OUT OF TOWN
DAD WOULD LIGHT A CIGARETTE AND ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN
AND I WOULD SIT THERE SHIV’RIN’, WISHING I WAS STILL IN BED
WHILE THE SMOKE AND THE EARLY MORNING CHILL WHIPPED AROUND MY HEAD

The ancient tree stood all alone where the corner store had been
Spent many hours there in her shade with my guitar in hand
Dreaming about some teenage crush and writing simple songs
About lovers I had never loved and things I’d never done

AS HE TURNED THE LOCK I’D DANCE AROUND, SHIVERIN’ WITH ALL MY MIGHT
IT WAS COLD IN THERE, YOU COULD SEE YOUR BREATH AS WE FLIPPED ON THE LIGHTS
I’D GO BACK TO THE BOTTLE ROOM, FETCH A BAG OF COAL
AND STOKE THE OLD POT BELLIED STOVE ‘TIL IT BEGAN TO GLOW

I STILL HEAR THE SOUND OF THE WOODEN FLOOR CREAKING UNDERNEATH OUR FEET
AND THE WHINING OF THE BANDSAW AS MY DAD CUT UP THE MEAT
BUT TIME AND PROGRESS CAN’T BE STOPPED EVEN IN A SOUTHERN TOWN
DAD LEFT US SEVERAL YEARS AGO BEFORE THEY TORE IT DOWN

Now there’s an empty lot on the corner where the old tree used to stand
And a sign proclaims a fast food joint some company has planned
If I were rich I’d bought that land and saved that ancient tree
For I believe some magic way she still remembered me
I’d once again sit under her and write a brand new song
About lovers I wish I’d loved and things I should have done