Holly Tree Lyrics - Promised Land - Dar Williams

When the robin builds in the holly tree 

Its a sign of life, its gentle victory 

Well, today as I set to go 

I saw a nest in a tree hollow 

Oh Emily, youre a brave girl 

With your husband gone to the other world 

Sing a hymn while I light the fire 

Well be joined by a heavenly choir 

Heres the tansy and the chamomile tea 

For you to drink 

As the pain increases, well, you only have to think 

About a baby, well save the baby 

I placed a holly sprig by the doctors door 

He has done this well and many times before 

Hell be careful which way he goes 

But hes 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 wont be any danger 

Any Christian ever loved an infant in a manger 

Saves the baby, theyll save the baby 

Now the pastor comes, shakes the farmers 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 farmers wife shudders 

Pulls the shawl up to her shoulder 

Every time she nears the hearth she feels a little colder 

Wheres the baby? There was a baby