An old Johnny Cash song my Dad and Uncle used to sing:


DON'T STEP ON MOTHER'S ROSES
Words and music by Johnny Cash
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "Songs of Our Soil" (1959)

We all were called to come back to the old home on the farm.
Mother passed away; what a mournful day!
And as my Daddy watched, his eyes were filled with pain and hurt
When someone stepped upon a rose and crushed it in the dirt.

CHORUS: "Don't step on Mother's roses!" Daddy cried.
"She planted them the day she was my bride;
And ev'ry time I see a rose, I see her smilin' face.
She made my darkest days look bright 'round the old homeplace.
Don't step on Mother's roses; let 'em grow
The way they did such many years ago.
They'll bloom for me each year, and I'll have Mother near.
Don't step on Mother's roses; let 'em grow."

Years have passed away, and how the old homeplace has changed!
Daddy had to go; we all miss him so!
Children pick the roses as they go along the way,
But when their petals are abused, I hear my Daddy say: CHORUS