Olivia

by Havilah Rand and Olivia

Lyrics:

My mother and my father
were 9 and 14 years
when they came to Massachusetts
from the Portugese islands

with nothing but an address
hanging from a string around her neck
if you aren't on your own by 18 years
then the priest will send you back

Tulare
everyone is welcome
Tulare
of the cattle and the cotton
Share the bounty

every color
every neighbor
we are family

take care of the babies
take care of the home
gather milk and cotton
for a quilt to keep you warm

through the midwest to California
4 kids and 3 stillborn
my brothers arms delivered me
into this world early and so small

Tulare
everyone is welcome

Tulare
of the cattle and the cotton share the bounty
every color
every neighbor
we are family

my daddy spoke four languages
sold the cows and leased the land
alfalfa shuckers shook their heads
while I tossed marbles in the sand

I lived with sister mary
taking care of babies and the home
when world war 2 erupted
I was 17 and on my own

two military marriages
battle ships and a purple heart
when the love grew cold I carried on
with my four children for a fresh start

made my way to Fresno
and I took all that god would give
I bought my own house and retired
that's when I met him

he said will you dance with me
I said you can call but i'm not dating
he said I know where you live
and I got so much more to give
a woman like you
so I said I do

CHORUS