My daughter got in late last night. We debated what song of the day I should post for Thanksgiving. It didn’t take long to realize there aren’t many Thanksgiving holiday specific bluegrass songs. She thought of ‘Turkey in the Straw’ (she always was a traditional young’un) and I came up with ‘Wild the Ride Turkey’ by Jerry Douglas. But neither is a Thanksgiving number per se, at least not like ‘Christmas Times a Coming.’
We noodled around with a few ideas, then crashed for the night. These words came to me this morning. Okay, I admit they ain’t that great, but I really wanted a bluegrass song to post today and I couldn’t find one. I’m getting ready to go eat turkey with my people, so I’ll revisit it later. Y’all change ’em around or add to ’em. The music belongs to all of us anyway. If you record it, you can give me half credit and send me a turkey!
Thanks to Bluegrass
CHORUS
Turkey’s in the oven
Gravy’s on the stove
Daddy plays the mandolin
‘Bout like Bill Monroe (poetic licence there folks)
Mama has a doghouse
And sings the tenor true
The kids can pick the old five string
And play some fiddle too
VERSE ONE
We don’t work the farm these days
But still dig the farm-yard swing
Country folk’s state of mind ain’t bout geography
It don’t matter where you live
From Washington to Maine
You’re good by me and family if bluegrass is your thing
CHORUS
VERSE TWO
The country doctor way of life
Is all we’ve ever known
But we’re thankful for the lessons that the music’s always shown
My guess is without it old Doc’d be dead and gone
So thanks again for all you do
With those old time songs
CHORUS
VERSE THREE
Not just today but all year round
We’re thankful for our friends
Cause here in Harvey County the music never ends
So when we’re at the Nursing Home
Here’s what we’re gonna do
Let bingo go, break ’em out, and sing away our blues
CHORUS
Hey, I’m just thankful there ain’t no killing songs today. Y’all have a fine Thanksgiving.
Dr. B
Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 