Mama hung white sheets beneath gray skies
Daddy hoed till daylight died
Rent took nearly all we had
Still your rough hand held mine
Northbound whistles crossed the hollow
You said, “Love will see us through.”
Hold me close when cold winds blow
Hear the lonesome pine sing low
No gold ring, just an answered prayer
Red clay keeps our names
Hickory smoke lived in your coat
Soap and thread in mine
I mended sleeves by lantern flame
You made the hard years kind
If our daughters leave these hills
Tell them love made this place home
Hold me close when cold winds blow
Hear the lonesome pine sing low
When smoke is gone, these hills remain
Red clay keeps our names
