Ballad of a Southern Midwife
Southern Midwife's Redemption: A Ballad of Love and Rebellion
Lyrics
Grandfather loved Jesus, grandma so did she
Grandparents were religious, with a strong devotion to Jesus.
I was a wicked baby, my father told me
The narrator's father considered her a troublesome baby.
Set fire to the church house at the age of three
As a child, the narrator set fire to a church at the age of three.
Was born a woman and not supposed to be
The narrator was born a woman against societal expectations.
Father was a preacher, cursing the ground at my feet
The narrator's father, a preacher, disapproved of her actions and cursed her.
He said you little woman, you never listen to me
The father criticized the narrator for not heeding his advice.
Always telling me you're not scared of the things you don't see
The narrator claims fearlessness of unseen things but faces consequences.
When you're in trouble don't come crying to me
The father warns the narrator not to seek his help when in trouble.
When the moon is on the night prowl and the family's asleep
During the night, the narrator goes to the river while the family sleeps.
I wade into the river, I wade up to my knees
The narrator wades into the river up to her knees.
Where I met a rich man, but he didn't love me
Encountered a wealthy man at the river, but he didn't love her.
Met him with dishonour when I put on his ring
The narrator acknowledges dishonor when putting on the rich man's ring.
Southern love in season, southern blood run high
Describes a season of passionate Southern love and heightened emotions.
Make love to your woman like you're gonna die
Encourages intense love-making as if it's the last time.
Never minding what happens to her and I
Suggests indifference to consequences in a relationship.
When baby's born, baby's mother gonna cry
Anticipates the emotional impact of childbirth on the mother.
I've been practicing witchcraft, little bird told me
Admits to practicing witchcraft based on a bird's revelation.
That's what they call an angel of midwifery
Refers to herself as an "angel of midwifery" through the practice of witchcraft.
Now I live in the old sawmill and I don't have keys
Currently resides in an old sawmill without conventional keys.
Making my way to heaven the way the Lord showed me
Expresses a journey towards heaven following the guidance of the Lord.
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