Mordecai

We'd see him in the distance on the trail along the rim

His silver head against the mountain sky

And grandma's face would open up when she saw that it was him

And she'd say, "daddy, grab a chair, it's mordecai"

And it seemed to me he brought a country store there on his back

As he layed it all before us on the ground

And I knew he'd finally reach into that ragged old back pack

For the candy that he always brought around

He said

My papa was a wanderin' jew

And its my fate to be one too

I'll roam these mountain trails until I die

Perhaps one day I'll see my home

Then he smiled and turned to go

And we all said goodbye to Mordecai

One evening when he stayed with us I saw him at his prayers

As the last light trickled through the cabin door

He stood before that little yellow candle burnin' there

Softly speaking words I'd never heard before

And I told him how my grandma said it troubled her mind so

That such a fine man wasn't washed in the blood of the lamb

He smiled and said tell grandma if it pleases her to know

That she and I both pray to the god of Abraham

He said

My papa was a wanderin' jew

And its my fate to be one too

I'll roam these mountain trails until I die

Perhaps one day I'll see my home

Then he smiled and turned to go

And we all said goodbye to mordecai

Its been so long now since I left that hillside far behind

For a place I've never truly called my home

And more and more these days I see him walkin' in my mind

Through the misty mountain distance all alone

Mordecai was a wanderin' jew

In my own way I am one too

I hope to make it home before I die

And if I finally find my way

I'll light a candle at his grave

And say one more goodbye to Mordecai