I have finished this one ten times in as many years, and it may not be over yet. I just added the first verse. It is more or less bluegrassy, and moderate tempo works better for me. I'd like some feedback. Does it need a bridge? Pick it apart, folks. Thanks.
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BOX ME UP
(c) 2005 Mike Amason

a capella, 1st verse only

v1
We’ve got skeeters big as turkeys, sandspurs, chiggers, kudzu, fire ants
And our necks are red as Alabama Clay
But I wouldn’t trade a bucket full of Mississippi Mud
For a hundred acres full of buildings downtown in L.A.

V2
I went to the big city once for nearly half a day
It was almost more than I could stand
And I don’t need Old Moses here to point the way
For me to know that I am in the Promised Land

V3
When I die I know my friends will come and lay me down to rest
And plant me peaceful by the riverside
I may be gone from here, but I’ll still be with the Blessed
When I get to Heaven I won’t even know I’ve died

Ch1
Make me a coffin out of knotty Georgia pine
Dig a hole down deep in the sand
Dress me in clothes made from cotton white as snow
Then Box Me Up and ship me off to Glory Land

V4
When I see the Angels shining and their singing fills my ears
And the bells are ringing in the Golden Hall
The sweetest piece of music I could ever hope to hear
Is Saint Peter at the Pearly Gate with a “Welcome Home, You all”

Ch2
Put honeysuckle blossoms all around my head
A Bible and a bottle in my hands
Sing “Dixie”, “Swannee River” and “Georgia on My Mind”
Then Box Me Up and ship me off to Glory Land

V5
Y’all don’t sit and cry for me when I have gone to Beulah Land
For there will be no sorrow and no sin
You know I've only left Down Here to go to Paradise
And remember since I’m from the South I’m Going To Rise Again!

Ch3
Plant a magnolia at the head of my grave
At the bottom end a papershell pecan
And plant a watermelon so the juice can run down to me
(Pause , then spoken - Slurrrrrrpp!)
When you Box Me Up and ship me off to Glory Land

tag
When you Box Me Up and ship me off to Glory Land
(End song with instrumental – first line of “Dixie”, let it fade)

A TREMENDOUS tip of my humble hat to Amanda. You're the berries. Thanks. And Thanks, Ben


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http://www.soundclick.com/mikeamason