I remember when I took the train back in '73
To see the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee,
I didn't know you had to pay and the tickets all were gone that day
So I stood out in the parking lot and heard the show for free.
And the Ryman Auditorium rose up proud and high,
And it was in the summer, all the windows open wide
And I crouched behind a wall and I could almost see them all
The sequins and the smiles, the announcer to the side.
There was Porter and Dolly, Ernest Tubb, and Bill Monroe,
Roy Acuff and Grant Turner who announced the Opry show,
And dressed up like a country girl, from Grinder's Switch came Minnie Pearl,
She was just so proud to be here, and people loved her so.
CHO:
And the music came pouring out the windows
Old foursquare gospel harmony
The music arose and put its arms around you
Like family. Like family.
There were dusty cars and pickups in the parking lot that night
The sun went down, the night was warm, the stage was big and bright
We ran and stood by a big show bus and Loretta Lynn walked right by us,
Her long black hair and her dress shining white.
There were pickers by the back door, waiting to be found,
And singers who were getting lost in Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.
And little children in the cars lay asleep in Daddy's arms
Listening to the music and that old lonesome sound.
CHO:
And the music came pouring out the windows
Old foursquare gospel harmony
The music arose and put its arms around you
Like family. Like family.
I took the train next morning, and I went back up north,
I don't recall just what it was I came here looking for,
But I remember all those bands, the music and the faithful fans
Standing in the parking lot outside the Opry door.
And how the music told us, with every sweet guitar,
That everyone is on the run and none of us gets far,
So you may as well pull in and park and hear the music in the dark
And think of those who loved you and remember who you are.
CHO:
And the music came pouring out the windows
Old foursquare gospel harmony
The music arose and put its arms around you
Like family. Like family.