Originally written as part of the Fundy Folk Songwriters Project. We were challenged to write a song using one or more specific themes. The theme “One Straight Row” and that inspired the song. It’s about gardening, life and my songwriting method.

Originally titled “G-Whiz” I challenged myself to write the entire song without changing from the one G chord, and still create verses, chorus and bridge.

Lyrics

G is for Garden

I’m turning this earth, scratching this soil,
let fly the stuff of birth, the dust of dying.
If I come up without a thing, dig through to Beijing,
the dirt beneath my nails will prove I’m trying.

The seeds come in the mail, the pots go in my window,
a daily dose of light and good intentions.
When it’s time I shake them loose, plunge them down to try their roots,
and warn them I’ve been known to seek perfection.

Give me one strong stem, one straight row,
one good harvest, let me reap what I sow
One tall tree that reaches the sky.
One sweet rose that brings a tear to my eye.

I navigate the maze of hedges, climb the vines that cling to ledges,
breathe in all the perfumed pleasures, and brave the thorns of pain.
Mary quite contrary, it’s all so extraordinary
when wishes bring the sunshine and dances make it rain.

When I water and weed and prune with no mercy,
what my thumb lacks in green nature will pardon.
If my patience endures to keep it simple and pure,
what starts out as manure becomes a garden.

Give me one strong stem, one straight row,
one good harvest, let me reap what I sow
One tall tree that reaches the sky.
One sweet rose that brings a tear to my eye.

MY COLLECTIBLES
© Sharon Lucy Nauss-Hughes