He came home from Korea, left his boots outside the door
A soldier changes clothes, but he can’t wash off the war
If he had his demons, he kept them to himself
Farming 18-hour days to put food up on our shelves
So don’t say it can’t be done,
Because I know that isn’t true
My father didn’t give up,
and I am living proof
My brothers all played football
After their chores and homework
Mama kept the books at the grain exchange
& we all sang in church
I don’t know how she did it,
Cooked three meals and raised 6 kids
People think the world owes them something,
My mama never did
So don’t say it can’t be done,
Because I know that isn’t true
My father didn’t give up,
and I am living proof
Sister, I’ll leave a light on for you
Brother, don’t let them bury your truth
The Northern Lights keep shining down even when
I can’t see through
I know you’ll never give up
And I’ll never give up on you
We are living proof
Living proof that love sustains us,
Living proof that love survives
That we’ll find safe passage
Through the darkness in our lives
It takes more than me and you
These sweet fields of St. Ansgar
Hold the seeds of my soul
I see my sister in the kitchen
As she pulls the window closed
My father smiles and waves,
Parks the tractor for the night
Tomorrow they’ll do it all again,
Be up before first light
So don’t say it can’t be done,
The sun is rising soon
You’re not the only one,
I’m right here with you
So don’t say it can’t be done,
Because I know that isn’t true
Those before us didn’t give up
And we are living proof
credits
from Bonfire to Ash,
released November 3, 2016
The Band:
Carmen Nickerson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion
Willy Porter: Lead & Backing Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Zev Katz: Acoustic and Electric Bass
Ben Wisch: Acoustic and Electric Piano, Organ and Harmonium
Ben Wittman: Drums & Percussion
Guest Musicians:
Sean Williamson: Lap Steel on “Living Proof” and “Loving on Her Mind”
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