When the horses go down to the water at night
With the moon shinin' on their flanks
Mamma calls us up around the kitchen table
Lifts her hands and offers thanks.
She says, "Praise be to Father God and Mother Earth,
For the food upon this table and fire in the hearth,
For songs by lantern light,
For sweet rest till mornin' light
And most of all for the love we feel tonight."
When the roosters rise up to the dawning day
With the sun winkin' through the mist
Mamma calls us up around the kitchen table
Piled with biscuits and eggs and grits.
She says, "Praise be for the blessing of this day,
For another chance to grow and learn and play
For respectful work at hand,
For the bounty of the land,
And most of all for the grace of faithful friends."
When the hounds start to holler 'round the back porch door
With the sky fallin' through the trees
Mamma calls us up around the kitchen table
Checks our ears and elbows and knees
She says, "Praise be for these young and precious minds,
Make them wise and strong and perfect by design
Give them strength to do their part,
And courage to make a start,
And most of all give them kindness in their hearts."
When the horses go down to the water at night
With the moon shinin' on their flanks
Mamma calls us up around the kitchen table
Lifts her hands and offers thanks.

Guitar - Amy