Papa Was a Good Man

t rained all the way to Cincinnati
With our mattress on top of the car
Us kids were eatin’ crackers and baloney
And papa kept on driving never stopped once at a bar
Then mama started talking about Jesus
And how our lives could be from now on
While papa bought a used tire in Columbus
Mama rocked the baby till all her tears were gone

She said your papa is a good man and don’t you kids forget it
The whiskey’s tryin’ to ruin him but I know the Lord won’t let it
Then we sang Amazing Grace and Bringing In The Sheaves
Rock of ages rock of ages cleft for me

I remember when papa finally gave up drinking
I think mama was the only one on earth that really thought he could
I remember all the times we’d packed everything we owned
Into some old car and started out for some new town
And through it all mama’s faith was the one thing
That was strong enough to finally do the some good

She said your papa is a good man and don’t you kids forget it
The whiskey’s tryin’ to ruin him but I know the Lord won’t let it
Then we sang Amazing Grace and Bringing In The Sheaves
Rock of ages rock of ages left for me