Water the Family Tree
Mel Tillis · The Arms of a Fool/Commercial Affection [1971]
(Bruce Channel)
Mama's working now I'm playing games
It's sunny outside but I don't care if it rains
Cause soon she'll be back home where I want her to be
And it's hard to add one and one and make it three.
Daddy went away some time ago
And though it seems so long I love him so
Mama said that daddy won't be back soon
And I'm a gettin' new shoes when they fix mama's hair at noon
Mom try so hard that I can see
With half full heart she waters the family tree.
--- Instrumental ---
Now here I stand my face pressed to the glass
As thoughts of tender years with mom go past.
A cry rings in my heart the world's a lie
As I stand and worship my first born tonight.
Mom tried so hard now accept to me
And with the loving heart we water the family tree
Now it stands real tall and straight for all to see
And the leaves of love grow big on the family tree.
Yes, the leaves of love grow big on the family tree...
Mama's working now I'm playing games
It's sunny outside but I don't care if it rains
Cause soon she'll be back home where I want her to be
And it's hard to add one and one and make it three.
Daddy went away some time ago
And though it seems so long I love him so
Mama said that daddy won't be back soon
And I'm a gettin' new shoes when they fix mama's hair at noon
Mom try so hard that I can see
With half full heart she waters the family tree.
--- Instrumental ---
Now here I stand my face pressed to the glass
As thoughts of tender years with mom go past.
A cry rings in my heart the world's a lie
As I stand and worship my first born tonight.
Mom tried so hard now accept to me
And with the loving heart we water the family tree
Now it stands real tall and straight for all to see
And the leaves of love grow big on the family tree.
Yes, the leaves of love grow big on the family tree...
Water the Family Tree
Mel Tillis delivers a tender country ballad on 'Water the Family Tree,' a track that highlights his signature blend of storytelling and vocal warmth. Recorded for the 1971 album 'The Arms of a Fool/Commercial Affection,' the song exemplifies the genre's focus on domestic life and familial bonds. Tillis's performance captures the quiet intimacy of nurturing relationships, fitting within the broader landscape of 1970s country music where such themes were central. The recording showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through melody and lyricism without relying on overt drama, making it a standout example of his discography from that era.