It rained
All the way to Cincinnati
With our mattress
On top of the car
Us kids
Were eating crackers and baloney
And papa kept on driving
Never stopped once at a bar
Then mama
Started talking about Jesus
And how our life
Could be from now on
While papa bought a used
Tire in Columbus
Mama rocked the baby
Till all her tears were gone
She said, "Your papa is a good man
And don't you, kids, forget it
The whiskey's trying to ruin him
But I know the Lord won't let it"
Then we sang "Amazing Grace"
And "Bringing In The Sheaves"
Rock of ages
Rock of ages
Cleft for me
I remember when papa
Finally gave up drinking
I think mama was the only one on earth
That really thought he could
I remember all the times
We'd packed everything we owned
Into some old car
And started out for some new town
And through it all mama's faith
Was the one thing
That was strong enough
To finally do the some good
She said, "Your papa is a good man
And don't you, kids, forget it
The whiskey's trying to ruin him
But I know the Lord won't let it"
Then we sang "Amazing Grace"
And "Bringing In The Sheaves"
Rock of ages
Rock of ages
Cleft for me