Justin Tubb Lyrics
"Family Way"

(Don Wayne)

I cried my bitter teardrops all the way to Doc Johnson's home
He said I won't come you have to go and get the midwife
So I ran barefooted through ankle deep snow to fetch aunt Ellie Mae Jones
And I thought Lord how come a human has to live such a dog's life.

Aunt Ellie Mae came to the door but I couldn't talk for my teeth have shattered
She said land safe young and get over there by the fireside
Her skin was black but her soul was white and to me that was all that mattered
For she held me close and soothed my tears when I cried.

Well, brother's in jail for makin' whiskey
And my mama's in the family way
And my Daddy's been dead one year ago today
Yeah, my Daddy's been dead one year ago today

Then she went to the kitchen and brought me
A cup of coffee and some sidemeat'n bacon
And she said be quick about eatin' boy we'd better hurry
So we left right quick and got back to my house as daylight was a breakin'
And she said heat me up some water boy and don't you worry.

Well, your brother's in jail for makin' whiskey
And your mama's in the family way
And your Daddy's been dead one year ago today
Yeah, your Daddy's been dead one year ago today.

Well two hours later my mama gave birth to a nameless baby brother
I walked the floor and prayed to the Lord that I could die
Aunt Ellie Mae said now don't you be harbourin' bad thoughts towards your mother
'Cause a human is a human and a saint's mighty hard to come by.

So go tell the jailer to fetch your brother
'Cause your mama just passed away
I just don't know why things have to happen this way
But the good Lord's gonna straighten everything out someday.

Yes, the good Lord's gonna straighten everything out someday...