Family Tree

Family Tree

1. Family Tree

Family Tree

(verse 1)

Shelby was cutting up a banana to put in her cornflakes

Riley called her that morning to say

he's back from the big city, he apologizes for being away

he brought her back because she missed that warm bed

and that short brown mess on top of his head

Shelby feigned she was glad

sometimes her son drove her mad

why did it have to be this girl?

the one whose mama was in jail

preacher said she's going to hell

Rita's husband never saw it coming

that frying pan done all it can

to do him in 

but the judge didn't really care

her lawyer said she wasn't all there

she'll be out in time for the wedding

but Shelby knows where this is heading

a couple kids with a broken home

their mama will leave her grandkids alone

(chorus)

I guess that's part of being a mother

you got to worry about this, that, and the other

but why can't they love another?

someone who will treat him better

but the mama doesn't see what the son sees

he knows it'll be a stronger family tree

and all these ties will come together with a smile

a happy family they will be after while

(end chorus)

(verse 2)

he'll be related to that woman by union

Shelby worries while she chops an onion

Riley and his fiance sit at the table

Shelby laughs and smiles when she's able

but everyone in town will think he's a laughing stock

she'll never be able to go out, she'll be under a rock

Rita got off the bus

hugged her daughter with a lot to discuss

just because she didn't find happiness

doesn't mean her daughter will live in messiness

(chorus)

I guess that's part of being a mother

you got to worry about this, that, and the other

but why can't they love another?

someone who will treat him better

but the mama doesn't see what the son sees

he knows it'll be a stronger family tree

and all these ties will come together with a smile

a happy family they will be after while

I guess that's part of being a mother

you got to worry about this, that, and the other

but why can't they love another?

someone who will treat him better

but the mama doesn't see what the son sees

he knows it'll be a stronger family tree

and all these ties will come together with a smile

a happy family they will be after while

(end chorus)

(bridge)

"if this crime ties you to me," Shelby said

"I'll never let them be"

"but can't you see," Rita said

"they're young, happy, and not miserable like you and me"

(chorus)

I guess that's part of being a mother

you got to worry about this, that, and the other

but why can't they love another?

someone who will treat him better

but the mama doesn't see what the son sees

he knows it'll be a stronger family tree

and all these ties will come together with a smile

a happy family they will be after while

I guess that's part of being a mother

you got to worry about this, that, and the other

but why can't they love another?

someone who will treat him better

but the mama doesn't see what the son sees

he knows it'll be a stronger family tree

and all these ties will come together with a smile

a happy family they will be after while

(end chorus)