I love tea
I love tea
and when I was a boy,
my grandmother made me some.
Her tea was better,
than any other tea
and she told her secret to me.
At eleven in the morning,
or four in the afternoon
we used to chat,
my grandmother and me
and we shared
a lovely pot of tea.
She taught me to respect
and grant dignity,
to those from whom my ancestors came.
But mostly she taught me
about integrity
and how to live right in the eyes of the Lord.
I really miss my grandmamma
and her love still spreads over me,
when I make that special tea.
poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Grandmother Told Me So
The declaration has been spoken,
For Grandmother told me so.
The darkeys have got their fetlocks broken,
For Grandmother told me so.
Oh, won't they have a lot of iron on hand!
And when the news travels,
Oh, won't it be grand!
'Twill sweep like a sugarcane over the land,
For Grandmother told me so.
American Eagle! hysterical bird!
Oh, flap your wing and crow!
The slaves are embellished--yes, that's the word,
For Grandmother told me so!
There's curious times in that ur section,
For Grandmother told me so.
They think they will have a resurrection,
For Grandmother told me so.
The penholders raving like persons insane --
The darkeys in exodus, raising cane,
And singing like martingales after a rain,
For Grandmother told me so.
But President Abe forgot Kentucky,
For Grandmother told me so.
And Geneses, too -- and that's unlucky,
For Grandmother told me so.
Malicious champagne will be open'd in vain,
Until we shall break the last ox-yoke and chain --
Till through the Benighted States freedom shall reign,
For Grandmother told me so.
poem by Henry Clay Work
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Tcepser (Unscramble The Word)
No-one fed me respect
It was all for me to predilect
And was the blood flowing in my veins
It is now a natural demenour with no strains
No-one taught me respect
It was all for me to adapt other than neglect
As a toddler
With all respect no-one taught me how to walk,
As teenager
No-one taught me how to make sense when I talk
I did not drink it from any dam
I did not digest it from any book
I did not observe it from any wise man
Because by birth I knew
That with esteem, comes self-esteem
That with respect, comes self-respect
No-one told me how to respect
poem by Anele ''The African Son'' kaPotelwa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The One You Despise
Mother, I must warn you, you've come to look the fool
For, in attempt to teach me life, you've broken every rule.
You say that I should stand proud, because my ancestors were black
Yet for the ones of white and red my pride must somehow lack
You told me to feel handsome, be proud of what I see
And yet, 'Big, black and ugly, ' is all you say to me
Then manners, you tried on me to press
And handsome grooming, with proper dress
But then, you offer no respect,
And, still, from me, perfection expect
And, now, you say it's time to go
And, at eighteen, it's time. I know.
And though I love you I must away
Though, never knowing just how to say,
'I'm sorry'
The one you despise is always there
She's taught me respect, loving and care
She's taught me pride, in my ancestors, all
Because I am me, that's enough to stand tall
She's shown me the beauty in others too
She's even shown me the beauty in you.
She's taught me manners, how to get along
That appreciation and respect should be strong.
She does not worship me as you say, but offers me respect
And even with my imperfection, my trying, she accepts
Were it not for her, when I was in LA
I could hurt myself, or run away
So go ahead, Mother, and call her a whore
You'll only draw me away from you more.
'I'm sorry.'
poem by Wakefield Mahon
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Widows
My mother's playing cards with my aunt,
Spite and Malice, the family pastime, the game
my grandmother taught all her daughters.
Midsummer: too hot to go out.
Today, my aunt's ahead; she's getting the good cards.
My mother's dragging, having trouble with her concentration.
She can't get used to her own bed this summer.
She had no trouble last summer,
getting used to the floor. She learned to sleep there
to be near my father.
He was dying; he got a special bed.
My aunt doesn't give an inch, doesn't make
allowance for my mother's weariness.
It's how they were raised: you show respect by fighting.
To let up insults the opponent.
Each player has one pile to the left, five cards in the hand.
It's good to stay inside on days like this,
to stay where it's cool.
And this is better than other games, better than solitaire.
My grandmother thought ahead; she prepared her daughters.
They have cards; they have each other.
They don't need any more companionship.
All afternoon the game goes on but the sun doesn't move.
It just keeps beating down, turning the grass yellow.
That's how it must seem to my mother.
And then, suddenly, something is over.
My aunt's been at it longer; maybe that's why she's playing better.
Her cards evaporate: that's what you want, that's the object: in the end,
the one who has nothing wins.
poem by Louise Gluck
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Big Mama
Yeah, this one's dedicated, to my grandmother, and your grandmother
It's all love, let's not forget who raised us, word up
[LL Cool J]
Big Mama, my grandmother, my main girl
I love you much more than the scandalous world
As a young boy you gave me whoopings to save my life
Cursed me out, to keep me out the streets at night
Cause my momma had me when she was young
So you took on the responsibility to raise your grandson
You taught me if a task is once begun, Todd
Never leave it 'til it's done, Todd
Be thy labor great or small Todd
Do it well or not at all, God
Big Mama, my blood is your blood
When the whole world's against me, I know I got your love
If I was in a cell for the rest of my life
I know I'd hear your prayers in the middle of the night
Used to sit me on your lap and teach me mother wit
Early Sunday morning for them salmon and grits
I love you baby, you the one and only, that's a fact
'Til death do us part, I'ma always have your back
You beefed cause you heard that I was cursin in my raps
Eighty-six, still you wanna run and get the straps
I love you, I promise you I care for you deep
Cause when I had bronchitis you would rock me to sleep
Rub me down with green alcohol
Little brown-skinned lady bout five feet tall, Big Mama
[Chorus: Dru Hill] + (LL)
Early one Sunday morning
Breakfast was on the table (you gave me unconditional love)
There was no time to eat, she said to me
Boy hurry to Sunday school (you gave me unconditional love)
[LL Cool J]
I remember when you told me certain friends wasn't real
I didn't wanna listen, I swore I knew the deal
Come to find out, everything you said was true
Who I end up goin to for advice? You
I love you, that's why you got nurses and maids
Ever since I got paid, you ain't never been afraid
That's granddaddy wife, she taught me how to think
How to navigate through life, you made the sacrifice
You kept on livin, cause when my granddaddy died
It took all your might, but you ain't quit on life
We took trips down South, biscuits and chicken
Me you granddad and Alison, trippin
Remember, you used to pick me up from junior high
And classmates laughed when the Buick rolled by
Remember, I pulled my privates out in class
And from Farmers to Dunkirk you straight whooped my (woo!!)
The best cookin a man could ever taste
It's written in my heart, it can never be erased
Thank you so much, you taught me well
How to not get souped up, because I'm LL
How to walk the street, and hold my head real high
How to live with Christ and not be afraid to die
We sipped daquiris, but you never told moms
We even shared beers, Big Mama my dear
A toast to a woman that raised a man
In popular demand all across the land
You're my lawyer, my teacher, my doctor, my friend
My mother, my father, you with me 'til the end
I love you, I mean that from the bottom of my heart
That's the reason why my record's #1 on the charts
I'ma tell it like it is, I love you forever
Dead or alive, we'll always be together
Big Mama I love you
[Chorus]
[LL Cool J]
I dedicate this to the Big Mama's everywhere
The ones who raised us - when nobody else was there
The ones who held us and told us it'll be alright
When gunshots was goin off every night
Taught us how to lock the door and check the peephole
And how to swallow Vicks when we had a chest cold
How to stay proud, and represent hard
Eat plenty baby, but first say grace for God
Big Mama, I'ma miss you
When one of us leave this earth
But baby for what it's worth, I love you since the date of my birth
And if it wasn't for my children, I would wanna go first
You're the reason I'm the man I am today
The inspiration, for me to be LL Cool J
When you told me "Knock 'Em Out," I brought you home a Grammy
I learned to be tough from Big Mama and Aunt Cammy
A black man that was raised by black women
On tour, sippin your special honey and lemon
You told me, gargle with vinegar water and salt
The concert was hot, thanks to your support
Girl - you're the one I love
Whether right here with me or smilin from up above
Trouble or no trouble, you always had my back
So I had to let you know your son appreciates that, Big Mama
[Chorus] - repeat 2X
song performed by by LL Cool J
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Kouyate -
So sad i had to go
(kouyate)
A total stranger came between us
Until it's safe no-one will know
(kouyate)
There is a secret between us
We must keep it to ourselves
(kouyate)
All the love we shared between us
We can't tell nobody else
(kouyate)
There is a secret between us
1
Staring hard at my tv
But that blue flicker doesn't comfort me
It hurts so much
The memory of her tender touch
In my dreams i call
A man-of-war on glory road
A native girl whose tale was never told
Now we must live a lie
To point blank accusations i
Have denied it all
I live for the day
I live for the hour
When i'm free to speak your name
And reveal to the world - our secret
2
Underneath that bowl of stars
She lay me down to heal my battlescars
She taught me love
The one thing i knew nothing of
And she made me see
I had to leave that scattered place
I kept the secret to avoid disgrace
But there will come a time
When i return to make her mine
In a world so free
I live for this day
I live for this hour
When i'm in your arms again, yeah
And we both yield to love's power
(bridge)
Be patient now we can't resist
The racing storm of prejudice
Hate ... has ... silenced ... love ...
We took the village by surprise
No time to see the strangers hate filled eyes
For this sad consequence
They had no defense
In the midst off all that pain
I heard her call
"kouyate is my name
Love conquers all"
Solo
I live for this day
I live for this hour
When i'm in your arms again
And we both yield to love's power
So sad i had to go
(kouyate)
With so much love to share between us
Until it's safe no-one will know
(kouyate)
There is a secret between us
song performed by by Level 42
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Safety Fruits
You have taught me many things as i shared my love with you!
And now, i want to be part of your family and,
Live in unity with you my love;
For, if i could see what you see, then,
I could have been at the top always.
Safety fruits,
Before any other thing;
The quiet nights are now broken up with your love!
And i need someone i cam always talk to in this life,
For, you have taught me many things as i shared my love with you.
One love,
One peace,
One care,
One heart,
One central theme! !
And, with the quiet nights to share my romance with you;
But, what is it that you have to tell me as at now?
poem by Edward Kofi Louis
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Poem for my Grandmother
By the time
I knew grandmother
She was no more
It took sisteen-years
To know
Of her pains
On that sick bed,
My sisteen-year-old
Knowingness was shocked
To hear mum narrate her past
Grandmother as indeed a great
Woman n her life time.
Each time I go to her grave
I break down and cried for her,
I wish grandmother saw
The best of me
Before she was taken to the beyond
I know she would be proud of me
Let this poem of mine
Be for her,
My great grandmother.
poem by Efe Benjamin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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So Let Us Love
Most glorious Lord of life! that on this day
Didst make thy triumph over death and sin,
And having harrowed hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win:
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin;
And grant that we, for whom Thou diddest die,
Being, with thy dear blood, clean washed from sin,
May live for ever in felicity;
And that thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love Thee for the same again;
And for thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear Love, like as we ought:
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
poem by Edmund Spenser
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Amoretti LXVIII: Most Glorious Lord of Life
Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day,
Didst make thy triumph over death and sin:
And having harrow'd hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win:
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,
And grant that we for whom thou diddest die,
Being with thy dear blood clean wash'd from sin,
May live for ever in felicity.
And that thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love thee for the same again:
And for thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear love, like as we ought,
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
poem by Edmund Spenser
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Simply Love
You made me...
You made me to love.
You made me see the stars above.
When you taught me the meaning of love.
You made me...
You made me to love!
You made the difference,
Dreams are made of.
When you taught me the meaning of love!
Yes I confess.
You made me...
You made me to love.
Distanced from emptiness and a void.
When you taught me this meaning of love.
When you brought me this meaning of love.
You taught me what love was.
Now it's you and me in love.
I can not hide when it's simply love!
You made me...
You made me to love!
You made the difference,
Dreams are made of.
When you taught me the meaning of love!
I can not hide when it's simply love!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Great Grandmother
great grandmother
grandmother's mother
she walked through my life
like red roses, that dropp over one's path
roses that hold us back to savour
the meaning cast between
two melancholic lines of a poem
great grandmother
grandmother's mother
she walked through my life
so sparingly, always with the
fervent wish to build a bridge to my life
you know it because she always walked
away with tears glistening in her eyes
tears glistening in her eyes
poem by John Tiong Chunghoo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Grandmother Would Drive
My grandmother could make a biscuit taste like steak.
And she did everything from 'scratch'.
Including making her own soap too.
The only thing I disliked,
That my Grandmother Clara ever did...
Was to get her driver's license.
My grandmother would drive,
And have an entire conversation...
Without looking at the road!
I had heard rumors of this...
But to witness it,
Was right out of Six Flags.
Or Disney World.
Don't ask me how she did this.
I was too busy trying to keep myself alive.
That 'imaginary' brake on the passenger side,
Of my grandmother's car...
Had worn a hole through the carpeted car floor.
And my grandmother never got a speeding ticket either.
She turned to me and asked why I had the door handle,
In my hand when speeding along the highway.
I did not realize I had pulled the handle from the door.
She frightened the 'hell' out of me.
'Grandma, I gotta use the bathroom.'
~And...? ~
'Pee.'
~You bet not be doin' that in my car, boy!
Why didn't you say somethin' when we were at the carwash? ~
'I didn't think I had to THEN, grandma.
But driving with you has proved me wrong.
I think I've got to throw up too! '
The only thing I disliked,
That my Grandmother Clara ever did...
Was to get her driver's license.
She said she didn't need to wait,
For my grandfather to take her anywhere...
She wanted to go.
And rarely did I see my grandmother,
Using the rearview mirror.
Or...
Keep her eyes on the road.
'Grandma, I gotta use the bathroom.
I'm serious.'
~And...? ~
'Pee.'
~You bet not be doin' that in my car, boy!
Why didn't you say somethin' when we were at the carwash?
You slowing me. You slowing me down. Geeesssshhh.
Precious Lord...hmmm hmmm...Lead me...hmmm.~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Mom
You held me in your arms for the first time,
Warm tears were rolling down on your white cheeks,
And for the first time, I felt the love's delight,
I understood that this is how love speaks.
Drops of happiness betrayed your infinite excitement,
Our two hearts as one then began to beat,
entering in a new stage of love's enlightenment,
Your smile was angelic, and your breath so sweet.
So many sick days you watched over me,
Whispering with love, “You’ll be fine!”
So many late nights spent on your knee,
You taught me love's reason to shine.
You were there with me when I took the first step,
You taught me when to move and when to stand still,
When to leave my worries on the doorstep,
You have inspired me with your power and your will.
You gave me comfort in pain and sorrow,
You were always by my side,
You taught me what's tomorrow,
You taught me how to read and how to write.
You walked with me on my first day of school,
The first book that we read together, it’s now long past,
You taught me that to be myself is cool,
To live each day as the first one or maybe as the last.
With love and tender, you corrected all of my mistakes,
I still remember how you told me; You are the best!
No matter how much hurts or what it takes,
You always have to live the truth and stand the test.
You taught me to say what I think and what I feel,
Without any fear, always watching the sky,
To dream but also to know what is real,
To be powerful when I'm down and modest when I'm up high.
You taught me to comfort others with my love,
And to spread the Light, all around me,
You told me that I am a child of God's above,
You taught me to believe in Eternity!
So many precious things you planted in my heart,
You gave me life and taught me how to live it too,
You're up in Heaven, but we'll never be apart,
Today, tomorrow, always Mother, I Love You.
poem by Marius Alexandru (28 February 2021)
Submitted by anonym
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Mills
F/ faith evans
[dmx]
I know that my savior lives
And at the end, he will stand on this earth
My flesh may be destroyed, yet from this body, I will see god
Yes, I will see him for myself - and I long for that moment
Grandma, I really miss you and it aint been the same
I drop a tear when i, hear yo name
Mariella holloway, why you gotta be so far away?
Used to say, dont worry, its gon be okay
But it aint - its like when you left, you took the lord witchu
Why couldnt I come when he came to get you?
Damn I really miss you - I had to say it again
I remember the time when I was like ten
Crept up in the neighbors yard, yeah, bein hard headed
You told me I would get it - you said it!
And boy did I get it, but after you spanked me, you hugged me
Kissed me on my forehead, told me that you love me
And I saw, that it hurt you, more than it hurt me
I thought - how bad could this hurt be? I know now
Thats why its only done out of love
What I wouldnt give for one mo hug, from grandma
[chorus: faith evans]
Baby its gon be okay (she used to tell me that)
Baby its gon be okay (I really miss hearin)
Baby its gon be okay (she used to tell me that)
Baby its gon be okay (I really miss hearin)
[dmx]
What Im about to say a couple of family members is gon hate me
But ima let you know whats been goin on lately
Now you know since you left, a lot of things witcho kids done changed
Yeah jackies still crazy, dont know whats up with james
Aint seen jerry in a while, you know he walk like you
And renees back in jail, you know she talk like you
Riculahs(? ) doin real good now, she workin
Rhondas still runnin around, trickin, jerkin
Buckeyes buggin, he done lost his mind
And jarvis? back out of jail, doin fine
Kylie? he done changed, it aint all about self
As for my father.. well, thats somethin else
But thats my dog, he hold his grandmother down
My great grandmother, makin a lot of trips out of town
But thats a good thing, and if I could only hear you sing
Once more, oh lord, the comfort it would bring
[chorus]
[dmx]
You left behind a mother (and) eleven kids (and) eleven grandkids
And since then, two of yo grandkids done had kids
They had a boy named tacoma, xaviers brother, thats right
Xaviers means you a great grandmother
I thank you for the best times of my life
I thank you for when you first met her, accepted and lovin my wife
I thank you for those sunday dinners, they were vital
I thank you for my - life, I thank you for the bible
I thank you for the songs that you sing in the mornin
(amazing grace..) while Im yawnin
I thank you for the two beatings you gave me
Cause I know somewhere along the line
The lesson I learned from the two beatings saved me
And when you died I cried like a baby, I begged the lord to take me
Cause no one else could give me what you gave me
But life like everything comes to an end
I pray I go to heaven to see you again - amen
[chorus] - repeat 2x
[faith evans]
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now Im found
Was blind, but now I see, yeahhh
song performed by by DMX
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Grandmother
Grandmother, oh Grandmother
Looking from above.
I need your wisdom and your balance.
Most of all I need your love.
I hear you and I see you,
When I open my mind's eye.
I feel you wrapped around me,
In the space where I am "I".
Your kindness and your knowledge,
I need within me now,
For I'm in a constant turmoil.
Where to turn; which way and how?
Please help me to rebalance.
On my life's path forward go,
For when my mind is muddled
The answers you always know.
I know you never leave me,
In my aura sitting calm.
I thank you wisest Grandmother,
For keeping me safe from harm.
poem by Rosi Caswell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Instincts lead me
Winds sing; who taught them?
Rivers make paths; who taught them?
Infants cry; who taught them?
I learn other than what are taught.
What I learn other than what I was taught
Has led me to live where I live.
10.01.2008
poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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In the Spirit of Rumi - 15
To My Beloved I said
O My Beloved,
tell me of Yourself;
I yearn to know
My Beloved said
O my dearest one,
tell me, rather, of yourself;
for only in knowing yourself
and knowing what you do not know
may you know Myself
to My Beloved I said
I breathe; and yet
I was never taught to breathe.
I breathe perfectly;
who taught me then, to breathe?
In the light of the Sun,
I see all that may be seen;
who taught my eyes to see?
who taught the Sun to shine?
With my breath,
with my eyes,
I see love, breathe love in my heart;
who put it there?
Every day, I eat,
every day I need to eat;
every day there is some food;
who makes earth into bread?
Every day I make mistakes,
yet every day I live again;
my children I forgive their mistakes;
who will teach me my mistakes,
who will forgive me my mistakes?
Every day I find my world the greater,
every day my powers are greater;
every day the world’s glory is greater;
who made these boundaries to be boundless?
Every day, I think of death;
every day, I am alive;
every day, I seek the truth;
who joins these three, and who divides?
my Beloved said to me
In your questions, love.
In the answer, love.
poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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You See...There Was Just Too Many Of Us!
I smell my grandmother's molasses cookies.
Deep dish apple and peach pies.
And grape preserves she would make.
And my own mother's beautiful hair,
Before she grayed.
And 'overnight'...
Seemed to have aged.
As I sit and reminisce.
About so many things I miss!
I see my grandfather,
Working in the backyard.
In the shed.
Where he 'diagnosed' the engine...
Of an old truck.
With every part of it laid in pieces.
Each of them,
Carefully spread to keep them near.
'Don't...
Move,
A thing!
Or pick it up...
Because you're curious!
I got my eye on ya! '
I hear my father say...
'It is time to get your haircut, boy.
And when you sit in that barber's chair...
You bet not make a fuss!
And don't say nothing to annoy! '
I remember my aunts and uncles...
Rushing to pick apples, grapes and pears.
From an old pig farm,
Where Chappelle Gardens now sits.
In a neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut.
I remember this as if yesterday!
And the whippings we all shared.
Regardless...
Of who or who was not actually there!
No one was spared.
'I don't care who did what!
All of you are getting it! '
My grandmother would say!
I remember rolling my eyes...
With wishes I could run away!
~Grandma, I didn't do anything.
It was her! ~
*No it wasn't it was him! *
**No it wasn't it was them! **
You see...
There was just too many of us!
And my grandmother didn't really care.
She just wanted all of us to know...
The punishment she dealt,
Would be quick.
Honest.
And fair!
Note:
Dedicated to my wonderful family.
When we (many of us) all lived in either Stowe Village,
And/or Bellevue Square.
Tenement projects.
In separate buildings AND apartments.
Back in 'the day'.
Love you!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Very Special Love
She said, "I spent eight years in California
That's the reason why I talk the way I do
But I've heard how Southern men respect the ladies
And I'd like to meet a gentleman like you"
Well, I spent most of my life in Alabama
That's the reason why I talk the way I do
And I've always had this thing for sun-tanned ladies
And I'd really like to spend some time with you
And we walked on the beach till early morning
And we watched as the sun came up again
And somehow we both shared the feelin'
That we'd just made a very special friend
Tomorrow I'll go back to Alabama
And you'll fly from Atlanta to L.A.
And I'll get back to takin' care of bus'ness,
And you'll go back to starrin' on the stage
But we'll think of the beach come Monday morning
When both of us get back to push and shove
And somehow we will always remember
The night we shared a very special love
I spent most of my life in Alabama
That's the reason why I talk the way I do
I know we shared a very special friendship
The night we made a very special love
song performed by by Alabama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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