Story Behind The Song

My grandparents lived on a ten acre farm in rural South Carolina. The "Umbrella Tree" shaded an area in their back yard. After retiring from the railroad, my grandfather became the local magistrate. He held court under the tree on Saturday mornings. I would climb into the branches of the tree and watch. The tree was the place where the old folks sat and enjoyed each others company. The tree was said to grow children. It was perfect for climbing and it was our (siblings and cousins) favorite place to play. It brings back fond memories. I am one of the old folks now.

Song Description

The Old Umbrella Tree is a song about remembering the way we lived in the country when I was a child. This special tree served as a court room, a family gathering place, and a favorite place to play. The song is written to echo the mood and easy going feelings of that time and place.

Lyrics

The Old Umbrella Tree by John J. Jacobs 3/14/2024

VERSE 1
G C D7 G
Ten days or ten dollars! Court is adjourned.
C D G
A cardinal sings it's song in response
G C D7 G
My grandfather courtroom needed no walls
C D7 G
Just the shade of the old Umbrella tree.

CHORUS
C D7 G
In the shade of the old umbrella tree
C D7 B7 C
Enjoying the shade and telling old stories
C D7 G
In the shade of the old umbrella tree

VERSE 2
G C D7 G
Old folks sit in the shade fanning their faces
C D G
Kids laughing and perched high the tree
G C D7 G
On limbs worn smooth by small hands and feet
C D7 G
In the shade of the old umbrella tree

CHORUS

VERSE 3
G C D7 G
It is all just a memory. The kids are all grown.
C D7 G
The court room moved to town.
G C D7 G
The old folks and the tree have all slipped away
C D7 G
There's just a memory of the old umbrella tree.

CHORUS

ENDING
C D7 G
In the shade of the old umbrella tree

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Lyfe Concierge Publishing	BEST SONGS ON BROADJAM	7/25/2024