[Verse 1]
You ought to go north somebody told us
Cause the air is filled with gold dust
And fortune falls like snow flakes in your hands
Now I don't recall who said it
But we'd lived so long on credit
And so we headed out to find our promised land

[Verse 2]
Just poor Smoky Mountains farm folk
With nothing more than high hopes
So we hitched our station wagon to a star
But our dreams all fell in on us
Cause there was no land of promise
Though it's a struggle just keeping sight of who you are

[Verse 3]
Oh and these northern nights are dreary
And my southern heart is weary
As I wonder how the old folks are back home
But I know that they all love me
And they're all thinking of me
The Smoky Mountain memories keep me strong

[Verse 4]
You know I've been thinking a whole lot lately
About what's been and what awaits me
It takes all I've got to give what life demands
You go insane if you give in to it
Life's a mill and I've been through it
I'm just thankful I'm creative with my hands
[Verse 5]
Oh and these northern nights they're dreary
And my southern eyes are teary
As I wonder how the old folks are back home
But I'll keep leaning on my Jesus
He'll love and guide and lead us
The Smoky Mountain memories keep me strong

[Outro]
If I'll keep looking to the father
Keep our heads above the water
While the Smoky Mountain memories keep me strong