Merle Haggard — The Roots of My Raising

[Verse 1] I left the four-lane highway, took a blacktop seven miles Down by the old country school I went to as a child Two miles down a gravel road, I could see the proud old home A tribute to a way of life that's almost come and gone [Chorus] The roots of my raising run deep I've come back for the strength that I need And hope comes, no matter how far down I sink The roots of my raising run deep [Bridge] I pulled into the driveway Lord, it sure was good to be there And I could see through the open door That Dad was asleep in his favorite chair In his hand was a picture of Mom And I remembered how close they were So I just turned away, I didn't want to wake him And spoil his dreams of her [Verse 2] A Christian Mom who had the strength for life the way she did Then to pull that apron off and do the Charleston for us kids Dad, a quiet man who's gentle voice was seldom heard Who could borrow money at the bank simply on his word [Chorus] The roots of my raising run deep I've come back for the strength that I need And hope comes, no matter how far down I sink The roots of my raising run deep The roots of my raising run deep