Woodman! Spare That Tree!
Composer(s): Henry Russell
Performer(s): Douglas Jimerson; Americus Brass Band
Woodman, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me
And I'll protect it now
'Twas my forefather's hand
That placed it near his cot
There, woodman, let it stand
Thy axe shall harm it not!
That old familiar tree
Whose glory and renown
Are spread o'er land and sea
And wouldst thou hew it down?
Woodman, forbear thy stroke!
Cut not its earth-bound ties
Oh, spare that aged oak
Now towering to the skies!
When but an idle boy
I sought its grateful shade
In all their gushing joy
Here too my sisters played
My mother kissed me here
My father pressed my hand
Forgive this foolish tear
But let that old oak stand!
My heart-strings round thee cling
Close as thy bark, old friend!
Here shall the wild-bird sing
And still thy branches bend
Old tree! the storm still brave!
And, woodman, leave the spot
While I've a hand to save
Thy axe shall harm it not
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