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Cousin Ronnie and The King

from Perfect Round E​.​P. by Matthew Austin Williams

/

lyrics

When Cousin Ronnie knew he couldn’t win,
My father made the drive in the snow
To Memphis to help Ronnie loop his belt and
Give his family one last go.

His family was gathered together
Under memorabilia of The King.
But since Elvis had passed and gone
They couldn’t offer Ronnie anything.

My father isn’t one for praying,
So he spoke. "Let the past be in the past,"
And pleaded, "Let the dove of forgiveness
Land in your heart before it’s passed."

But they pointed to a road sign to Fort Pillow,
In the town of a man who dreamed of war (Henning TN),
Crying “Our roots have been drowned in sorrow
We have to live with what was done before.”

“And it’s no use to try and change the story
Because we never will agree.
The King has died and this man massacred our people
So we will never let him be free.”

This morning as Ronnie awoke
A feather by grace landed on his nose.
The dove of forgiveness bore his spirit and
The King passed him a brand new set of clothes.

Now my father nearly never speaks
except to say what is exactly true:
Ronnie sung his final words said
"Please, lets forget my past,
The future looks bright ahead,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true."

credits

from Perfect Round E​.​P., released July 1, 2013

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Matthew Austin Williams Albuquerque, New Mexico

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