On his bed, near death he lay
I’d never seen him quite this way,
His body weak, but oh his will was strong…
He said: “I grew up under Northern skies,
Came south for Mama’s Dixie eyes…
Now listen close, ‘cause Son I ain’t got long…”

“Her southern promise rescued me,
I felt that promise set me free,
Her southern comfort filled my empty cup…
Now when I bow my head to pray,
I think of her most every day,
This homeplace always lifts my spirits up…
Come live a life that’s honest…
And make me
A southern promise…”

I’ve come home to work their land,
Soft skin has turned to callused hands,
And I don’t miss the city part of me…
I wake the rooster every day,
I live my life the country way,
It’s not so far from LA to Tennessee…

My southern promise rescued me,
I feel that promise set me free,
And southern comfort fills my empty cup…
Now when I bow my head to pray,
I think of them most every day,
Our homeplace always lifts my spirits up…
I live a life that’s honest…
While I keep a little
Southern promise…

They rest together ‘neath the west hedge row…
That day he asked me if I’d sell the place,
I answered “Hell No!”

A southern promise rescued me,
I felt that promise set me free,
And southern comfort filled my empty cup…
Now when I bow my head to pray,
I think of them most every day,
Our homeplace always lifts my spirits up…
Come live a life that’s honest…
Come share…
A southern…
Promise…
Southern promise…