Down in the valley, valley so low,
You plant the garden; I’ll bring the hoe.
I’ll bring the hoe, dear; you plant the beans.
We will have cornbread, and turnip greens.
You make the cornbread.  I’ll fix the greens.
We’ll live it up, dear, like kings and queens!

Ham in the morning, chicken at noon,
Biscuits for supper; twin silver spoons.
Ladles of gravy; platters of meat—
Down in the valley, life will be sweet!

Cows for the cream, dear, apples for pie,
No sad goodbying; no time to cry.
Down in the valley the sun always shines,
And we will be happy, all of the time!

You tend the chickens.  I’ll fish the stream.
And we will be well, dear, like a good dream.
No sad goodbying; no time to cry.
Down in the valley the sun always shines,
And we will be happy, all of the time!

sky-high climb
hobo bag heavy
with golden eggs

Saundra Cates (1944-2021) and Anna Cates