Appalachian Memories

«You ought to go north,» somebody told us
«Because the air is filled with gold dust
And fortune falls like snow flakes in your hands»
Now I don’t recall who said it
But we’d lived so long on credit
And so we headed out to find our promised land
Just poor Appalachian farm folk
With nothing more than high hopes
We hitched our station wagon to a star
But our dreams all fell in on us
Because there was no land of promise
And it’s a struggle keeping sight of who you are
Oh and these northern nights are dreary
And my southern heart is weary
I wonder how the old folks are back home
And I’ll keep leaning on sweet Jesus
I know He’ll love and guide and lead us
Appalachian memories keep me strong
You know I’ve been thinking a whole lot lately
About what’s been and what awaits me
It takes all I’ve got to give what life demands
You’d go insane if you give in to it
Life’s a mill and I’ve been through it
I’m just thankful I’m creative with my hands
Oh and these northern nights are dreary
And my southern heart is weary
I wonder how the old folks are back home
But I’ll keep leaning on sweet Jesus
I know He’ll love and guide and lead us
Appalachian memories keep me strong
I’ll keep looking to the Father
Keep our heads above the water
Appalachian memories keep me strong