Down in the Valley, Carter County

Verse 1

Down in Carter county, summer sun in my eyes

twists in the two-lane road, Mom and Dad in the front

Chilled water flowing from the hillside stones

a quick stop, fill a jug, feel the cool on my tongue

Three of us kids, scattered through the grass

gingham blanket opened up beneath the tulip trees

I remember, picnic spread, cold watermelon cracked

sticky hands, Dad’s laugh, juice running down our cheeks

Chorus

Carter Caves, secret world below

Bat Cave breathin’ cold air, slow

Carter Caves, hidden under hills

I was young, fearless, and full of thrills

Carter Caves, those old good days, I know

Post-Chorus

Cold creek in the valley, wash away my feet

green shadows gather, peace where the warm sun meets

Verse 2

Saltpeter cave, flashlight flickers on the wall

walking where the bats made powder from the dust that falls

Bent double, squeezing by, sand and mud

Boots splashing the trickle, sometimes silent, sometimes loud

I loved the Bat Cave best, squeezing through the slit

a big old darkness grows, a secret place to fit

daylight far behind us, just one beam at a time

Bats like seeds on the ceiling, silent, still, and fine

Chorus

Carter Caves, secret world below

Bat Cave breathin’ cold air, slow

Carter Caves, hidden under hills

I was young, fearless, and full of thrills

Carter Caves, those old good days, I know

Post-Chorus

Cold creek in the valley, wash away my feet

green shadows gather, peace where the warm sun meets

Bridge

If I listen now, I hear the memories call

crackle of gravel, call of my brother, faint echoes in the dark

Maybe another watermelon waiting on the hood

Maybe I could run in those woods again, I would if I could

Chorus

Carter Caves, secret world below

Bat Cave breathin’ cold air, slow

Carter Caves, hidden under hills

I was young, fearless, and full of thrills

Carter Caves, those old good days, I know

Outro

Carter Caves, cool and clear

I carry it with me, year to year

I love Carter Caves, down in the valley, dear