About The Song
Willie Nelson’s “Family Bible” isn’t merely a tune – it’s a poignant reflection on faith, family, and the enduring legacy passed down through generations. The song boasts a rich history, stretching back to 1957, a time when a young, struggling songwriter named Willie found solace in the familiar rituals of his Texas upbringing.
Scenes of his grandmother singing hymns around the worn pages of the family Bible sparked the initial melody. It was a symbol of continuity, a tangible thread connecting him to his ancestors and their values. Soon, the words began to flow, etching memories and sentiments onto the blank canvas of a song.
Nelson sold the composition early on, but “Family Bible” held a special place in his heart. He recorded his own version years later, injecting it with the weathered wisdom of life’s travels. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Sunday gatherings, whispered prayers, and the comfort found in familiar verses shared throughout the years.
Beyond personal memories, the song also taps into a universal yearning for belonging and spiritual guidance. The Bible becomes a beacon of hope, offering solace in tough times and reminding us of the enduring strength found in faith and family ties. Each verse is a gentle touchstone, a whispered story passed down through generations, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.
“Family Bible” resonates deeply because it transcends individual experience. It speaks to the human desire for connection, the longing for roots that anchor us in the ever-changing tide of life. It’s a song that transcends time and genre, finding its way into hearts of all ages and backgrounds, offering a comforting embrace and a whisper of hope within its weathered pages.
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Lyrics
“Family Bible”
There’s a family Bible on the table
Each page is torn and hard to read
But the family Bible on the table
Will ever be my key to memories
At the end of day when work was over
And when the evening meal was done
Dad would read to us from the family Bible
And we’d count our many blessings one by one
I can see us sittin’ round the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
I can hear my mother softly singing rock of ages
Rock of ages cleft for meNow this old world of ours is full of trouble
This old world would also better be
If we’d find more Bibles on the tables
And mothers singing rock of ages cleft for me
I can see us sittin’ round the table
When from the family Bible dad would read
I can hear my mother softly singing rock of ages
Rock of ages rock of ages cleft for me