Polly (Honoring Head Start Teacher, Pauline Paterson)

From the Album It Takes a Lot of People (Tribute to Woody Guthrie)

My name is Polly I was born
In Seminole County growing corn
My father had me in a storm
Big long and skinny with two big feet

Walked five miles to school everyday
Talked with schoolmates along the way
Two room Schoolhouse nine to four
After school played persimmon war

Daddy would sing to me on the plow
I remember his songs right here and now
That I am older I think of him now
Singing to me wit his hands on the plow

Grandpa and dad shot a bear in the cave
Went down to get him both feeling brave
After they tied the wrong bears feet
A bear chased him out tore a hole in their seat

Daddy would sing to me on the plow
I remember his songs right here and now
That I am older I think of him now
Singing to me wit his hands on the plow

For Christmas we cut down a blackjack tree
Wrapped it in paper all pretty and green
One pair of shoes big and small
Toothbrush sock and handmade ragdoll

Daddy honored his flag, country and all
Honored his work big and small
Honored the right to be all you can be
Daddy passed that honor to me

Daddy would sing to me on the plow
I remember his songs right here and now
That I am older I think of him now
Singing to me wit his hands on the plow

Words & Music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1992 | BMI
*Lyrics written with students from Strother Elementary in Little, Oklahoma. Inspired by Pauline Paterson, who was a Head Start Teacher in Seminole County for over thirty years.

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