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Poppa Lives On

from Upright by Katie Buttermore

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lyrics

Born in 44... toward the end of the war... Couldn't teach an old dog new tricks...
When Poppa passed on, he was only-only-only-only 66...
Just like his momma before him. before him. like his momma before him, 66.
I was born in 88, so 22 when poppa born in 44 passed at 66...

It was a trick of the trade to silently degrade.
Giving to the lungs a perpetual downgrade.
Smoking like a chimney, the cigarette's slave.
Nicotine clutched at a young age.
Developed the crutch for two packs a day.
Meanwhile, I was busy being made.
Born into the cloudy world of tobacco stains.
where I'd post statistics to try and - try and save
Poppa sister brother from their early graves.
I'd cough, I'd wheeze, I'd yell like hell and proclaim
"you're killing everyone, why don't you just quit today?"
"are you gonna be around on my graduation day?
...i'd cough, i'd wheeze, i'd yell like hell...

The thing I had to realize is that it wasn't about me.
As I grew I was able to be at peace,
even though I knew it was gonna consume every piece.
if not him first, then possibly one of my siblings.

The habit held strong. He didn't want to quit. He just dragged and dragged long. (dragged and dragged long)
His guitar, I had to grab it, to figure out how to externalize these heart songs.
And just like a rabbit, he may be outta sight, but not out of mind so I keep it strong...
...keep my mind strong...

Now this girl bellows below the billowing chimney.
Where fire has always provided the sweetest symphony.
Poppa lives on as I sing from dusk to dawn,
and in each verse I pray that my momma grow strong 'cause
passed on now - is her husband, father of 5 of her children,
Passed on now are her parents, & her baby first-born son.
So as her youngest... what am I to do to re-affirm that they're not actually gone?

With us, by us, through us move the Blessings from all of our loved ones Beyond!
With us, by us, through us move the Blessings -- move the Blessings!

credits

from Upright, released September 25, 2015

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Katie Buttermore Ashland, Oregon

I'm inspired by you.

My heart belongs to the wilderness. I'm planted now in Southern Oregon.

Thanks for listening.

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