Lyrics

MANITOBA MAPLE
There is one tall tree
A Manitoba Maple
Rocking like a cradle
When the wind and rain combine
I watch through the window
As the hurricane advances
The maple bends and dances
The power leaves the line

My family tree is narrow
No sisters and no brothers
My father and my mother
My children and my love
I hope that I can give them
The time and space and sunlight
To be happy in their own right
And reach for stars above

When the Manitoba Maple's coming down
And the branches die, we'll finally tie a yellow ribbon round
But the roots run deep
And we there keep the seeds of memories
Nested in the branches of our family tree

Musicians, cooks, and bakers,
Painters and school teachers
Pentecostal preachers
On the promises they stand
My grandma was a wonder
When her time had come to part
I sang her In the Garden
'Til she let go of my hand

When the Manitoba Maple's coming down
And the branches die
We'll finally tie a yellow ribbon round
But the roots run deep
And we there keep the seeds of memories
Nested in the branches of our family tree

As the storm passes over
The soft light of a candle
Finds the pictures on my mantle
The smiles on wedding days
May we stay strong and steady
Like a Manitoba Maple
Rocking like a cradle
With the strength to bend and sway

When the Manitoba Maple's coming down
And the branches die
We'll finally tie a yellow ribbon round
But the roots run deep
And we there keep the seeds of memories
Nested in the branches of our family tree
Nested in the branches of our family tree