smokey mountain memories lyrics

You oughta go north somebody told us
Cause the air is filled with gold dust
And fortune falls like snow flakes in your hands
Now I don't recall who said it
But we lived so long on credit
So we headed out to find our promised land

Just poor Smokey Mountain farm folk
With nothing more than high hopes
As we hitched our station wagon to a star
But our dreams all fell in on us
Cause there was no land of promise
And this stuggle keepin' sight of who you are

Oh and these northern nights are dreary
And my southern heart is weary
As I wonder how the old folks are back home
But I know that they all love me
And I know they're thinking of me
Smokey Mountain memories keep me strong

You know I've been thinkin' a whole lot lately
'Bout what's been and what awaits me
It takes all I've got to give what life demands
You'll go insane if you give in to it
Life's a mill and I've been through it
I'm just thankful I'm creative with my hands

Oh and these northern nights are dreary
And my southern eyes are teary
As I wonder how the old folks are back home
But I'll keep leanin' on my Jesus
Who loves and guides and lead us
The Smokey Mountain memories keep me strong

I'll keep looking to the father
Keep our head above the water
Smoky Mountains memories
Keep me strong