I Dug My Daddy's Grave

(album: Memories Of Home - 1961)

There's anything shared at our house tonight since God called my daddy away

Tonight my heart is heavy there's not a tear left in my eyes
You see my dad just passed away and I've told him so many lies
There were fifteen of us in our family and not a dime did we see
So all alone there in the graveyard I had to dig my daddy's grave
As I dug my conscience hurt me and as I rise my shovel high
It seemed my entire life was quickly flashing by
I thought of how he'd beat me and I tried to make him mad
And I knew every licking he gave me hurt him twice as bad
I thought of how he'd leave us when our lunch was an empty sack
But I knew dad worked hard and for us kids he'd break his back
Then I thought of how we'd hurt him why I'd take his core anytime
Maybe I'd have a wreck and land in jail he'd be there to bail me out everytime
I'd stand up in the space and curse him then I'd I leave so I wouldn't see him cry
Then he'd fall on his knees and say dear God give my son another try
After the funeral was over and the coffin was laid in its place
They handed me the shovel and asked me to throw more dirt in his face
I wish I showed him how much I love him I could have had a try
But I do have one consolation he knew God before he died