Ouachita

I’m the son of a son of a sailor man

He took the greyhound 

Down to south Louisan’

Knocked out a sucker with a wanderin’ hand

Said mister don’t get fresh with me

He had a rascal father

And a quick talking mother

Had a chip on his shoulder

When he made it to the water

But it cost a chip to get on the ship

He wouldn’t be coming back the same

He sailed to San Francisco had a mighty shock

Out on the wharf he heard the good Lord talk

Bought a fifty dollar Martin

A fool had hocked 

And started singing Amazing Grace

Oh JR

Look how far

From the Ouachita River you’ve come

Sailed shore to shore

Learned a little bit more

And found your way back home

Now I’m the proud kin of a preacher man

And he caught the eye of Sweet Anne

Saw her birth a calf with her own two hands

And thought we could raise a family

They told all who’d listen 

How to be delivered

Far north as the Arkansas river

He didn’t have much 

But gave all he could give her

Four babies and a little farm house

When Anne went on to meet the creator

He whispered low I’ll see ya later

And when on teaching love thy neighbor

And raising Paul, Mark, John and Julie

Oh JR

Look how far

From the Ouachita River you’ve come

All your sons and daughters

Laid back in the waters

What a good race you have run

Yes I’m of the line of a good man

He said even fearless folks

Can find their ass in the sand

I know my head’s as hard as a coffee can

But he taught me how to have

A tender heart

Oh JR 

Look how far

From the Ouachita River you’ve come

Oh JR 

Look how far

From the Ouachita River you’ve come

May you live on forever 

And your words stay clever

As you’re resting in the sun

May you live on forever

And your words stay clever

As you’re resting in the son