One Woman And A Shovel Lyrics - The Geography Of Light - Carrie Newcomer

Martha walked right down to the dam, 

I hoe and a shovel in either hand 

She was bound to dig for every woman and man, 

And child that lay sick with fever 

The government men said, "Be our favorite sons, 

Be a place of worth some where and someone 

If you drown this valley the canal boats will come." 

So they drowned their lovely valley 

But the waters grew black and the sickness came. 

They hung their heads in grief and shame 

Martha said, "We've only ourselves to blame." 

And took up a shovel and hoe, Good Lord 

She took up a shovel and hoe 

[Chorus] 

When it's time to say enough and set things right, 

The whole world is waist deep in trouble, 

Never doubt or question the power of love, 

Or one woman with a shovel 

Along came Elizabeth Sarah and Rose, Eva, Clara and Ruth 

They came with picks and shovels and hoes and armed with a righteous truth. 

Then came Calvin, Eli and Scott, Timothy, David and Paul 

And together before sun came up they tore down the cursed wall, yes yes 

They tore down the cursed wall 

[Chorus] 

And the lake finally bled its bad blood south, 

And they'd saved that ravaged land 

And not a single soul jury or judge would think to fine or jail them, 

Would think to fine or jail them 

Martha walked right down to the dam 

Hoe and a shovel in either hand 

She was bound to dig for every woman and man, 

And child who lay sick with fever 

[Chorus] 

Never doubt or question the power of love, 

Or one woman with a shovel