Holly Tree by Dar Williams Lyrics

When the robin builds in the holly tree
It's a sign of life, its gentle victory
Well, today as I set to go
I saw a nest in a tree hollow

Oh Emily, you're a brave girl
With your husband gone to the other world
Sing a hymn while I light the fire;
We'll be joined by a heavenly choir

Here's the tansy and the chamomile tea for you to drink
As the pain increases, well you only have to think
About a baby. We'll save the baby

I placed a holly sprig by the doctor's door
He has done this well and many times before
He'll be careful which way he goes
But he's been kind to us farm widows

And this I heard just the other day
That they came to buy, and you chose to stay
Soon a child will help you reap and sow
May he cast a long shadow
But you say the trials are coming, you have felt the gathering forces
And the galloping you hear is of one too many horses
But rest your head my darling girl, there won't be any danger
Any Christian ever loved an infant in a manger
Saves the baby. They'll save the baby

Now the pastor comes, shakes the farmer's hand
Says, "The earth will bear like the Promised Land
You have heard the stories down below
But God will bless this farm hollow."

Now the farmer's wife shudders, pulls the shawl up to her shoulder
Every time she nears the hearth she feels a little colder
Where's the baby? There was a baby