Always remember your upbringing
Is a phrase that still rings in my ears
Of all the things learned at Daddy's knee
I've remembered that throughout the years

Born and raised in Appalachia
The mode of living was hand to mouth
Leaving his Dad's home when just a boy
After his Stepmother forced him out

Daddy worked hard but he always had time
To teach us music and to train our voices
We'd sing evenings in the old porch swing
The night air ringing with joyful noises

Never forgetting where he had come from
Trying to make life better for us all
Slightly stooped from carrying a heavy load
To me, he seemed ten feet tall

Such a hard life made Daddy humble
Yet he was tough when he needed to be
Eking out a living in the coal mines
Succumbing to black lung, a deadly disease

In my heart, my Daddy's still singing
Precious Memories and I'll Fly Away
And if God lets us meet in His heavenly home
We will harmonize again someday

Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
September 22, 2008
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