Driving the back way to Big Lake
Up the old Elk River road
Caramel rolls like only my Mom makes
Fill my nose, make me hungry as we go
My cousins all are there
The noise fills the air
And into the house we tear
And we pass around the memory
Around the table of my family
In the gathering time of the year
I'm connected to the heart of me
Around the table of my family
And we bless the ones who aren't here
Laughter from the crowded kitchen
Too many aunts - not enough room
We put a scroll into the player piano
Uncle Albert sings a tune
My cousins all are there
There's music in the air
My Dad says the table prayer
Then we pass around the memory
Around the table of my family
In the gathering time of the year
I remember who you are to me
Around the table of my family
And we'll bless the ones who aren't here
Driving back home from Big Lake
Past the farm with my family's name
CCO on the radio and Mom's still reminding Dad
Who won that last card game
The Ford roars through the air
I fall asleep without a care
And there are memories to spare
When we passed around the memory
Around the table of my family
In the gathering time of the year
I'm connected to the heart of me
Around the table of my family
And we'll bless the ones who aren't here
Driving... to Big Lake