Shady Row is a contemplation about life and death
folk
country
stage
bluegrass
austin
fort worth
harris
Story behind the song
This is a colaboration with co-writer Jeff McIntire.
Lyrics
Shady row revised June 1, 2006
I went to see an old friend
Who died too young to know
About the folks who lie beside him
Along this shady row
Twenty candles on his cake
But death didn’t take a holiday
And all the waves that he would make
Are only ripples in this place
(CHORUS) Now his name is carved in stone
And I suppose his Spirit’s flown
Far beyond the great unknown
I pray that he will make it home
And I’ll remember him
Along this shady row
He lies beside John J McKay
Who died in 1788
Fought to make our freedom ring
Helped to form the USA
And here lies James Montgomery Tate
Died when he was only eight
A simple virus sealed his fate
Man, we’ve come a long long way
(CHORUS) All these names carved on a stone
Are traces of a life that’s flown
Far beyond the great unknown
I pray that they all make it home
Let’s remember them
Along this shady row
Here lies Mabel Ann Crochet
Died when she was old and gray
A life well lived she died in peace
Wish every life could end this way
And here’s a stone without a date
Reserved for one who lives and waits
To join a loved one to this place A destination no one escapes
(CHORUS) And every name carved on a stone
Reminds me that my life’s just a loan
And someday when my Spirit’s flown
Far beyond the great unknown
Will you remember me?
Along this shady row
I went to see an old friend
Who died too young to know
About the folks who lie beside him
Along this shady row