From the recording Where I'm From
My Great Grandfather was a tough, opinionated, highly moral, dairy farmer from Wisconsin who moved his family to West Texas due to his health.
Lyrics
Littlefield Texas ‘24
Littlefield Texas winter of 24. Me and mom had a café and a little country store. Cotton farm failed so we moved into town. Built this family business finances sound. Boys made us proud growing strong and tall. Oldest went to college back in the fall. Reputations golden dealings always fair. Treated all with respect, travelers with care
It was getting late, cold fronts blowing in. Couple knocking at my door with black skin. Car broke down on the side of the road. They asked to come in they were hungry and cold. No place to stay long way from home. Respect for all men as a child I was shown. Gave them some food and our spare room out back. Thanked us for our help taking up the slack.
Small town West Texas a different place and time. No coloreds allowed was the writing on the sign. Hard to understand today such bigotry. Hatred in their eyes when black is all they see
Town heard the news; a mob came to my door. If we don’t turn our backs, we’re not welcome anymore. Tried to put us out and throw me in jail. This couple’s going nowhere but ya’ll can Go To Hell. Woke up next morning black paint on my door. No one came to eat at our café anymore. Boys fought after school nearly every day. They won’t run us off We’re here to stay
Small town West Texas a different place and time. No coloreds allowed was the writing on the sign. Hard to understand today such bigotry. Hatred in their eyes when black is all they see
Small town West Texas a different place and time. No coloreds allowed and don’t you draw outside the lines. Hard to understand today such bigotry. Hatred in their eyes when black is all they see.
The hatred in their eyes is all they see.