Way down in the Cartoogechaye Valley
Fannie Siler gave birth to a son
Said I know a mama always feels this way
but there’s somethin special ‘bout this one
Send for Aunt Reby tell’er bout my baby boy
his daddy named him Rufus
And tell ol’ man Carter to bring my mama
feelin weak need some kinfolk with us ya’ll
Rufus held the secret of the Nantahala Trail
singin’ with the angel band
Felt the dirt of LeConte underneath his feet
a deep conviction for his land
He’d say don’t make no difference
come rain or shine
Cause God’s own blood is in this red clay
and the top of the mountain will be mine
I’ll be a preacher I’ll be a teacher a helper of mankind
I’ll be a walker I’ll be a talker
I’ll keep the mountain people on my mind
He’d say child you can fill yourself up
let Appalachian spirits runneth over your cup
Be called to the mission in the Valle Crucis
hold out your hand to those down on their luck
and be a preacher a teacher a helper of mankind
you be a walker be a talker
you keep the mountain people on your mind
Rufus spread ambition passed on tradition
to a younger pair of hands
said If you do your part and listen with your heart
don’t be afraid to make a stand (don’t be afraid)
to be a preacher a teacher a helper of mankind
you be a walker you be a talker
you keep the mountain people you keep em on your mind
and be a preacher a teacher a helper of mankind
you be a walker a talker
and keep the mountain people on your mind

SUBMIT CORRECTIONS