A Stick A Carrot A String

E
the horse’s hay beneath his head
A F# E
our lord was born to a manger bed
E A
that all whose wells run dry
F# E
could drink of his supply

E A
to keep him warm , the sheep drew near
F# E
so grateful for his coming here
E A
come with news of grace
F# E
come to take my place
E
the donkey whispered in his ear
A F# E
“child , in 30 – some – odd years
E A
you’ll ride someone who looks like me
F# E
untriumphantly”

E A
the cardinals warbled a joyful song
F# E
he’ll make right what man made wrong
E
bringing low the hills
A F# E
that the valleys might be filled

E A
then “child” , asked the birds
F# E
“well , aren’t they lovely words we sing?”
E A
the tiny baby lay there
F# E
without saying anything

E
at a distance stood a mangy goat
A F# E
with the crooked teeth and a matted coat
E A
weary eyes and worn
F# E
chipped and twisted horns

E A
thinking “maybe i’ll make friends someday
F# E
with the cows and the hens in the rambouillet
E A
but for now , i’ll keep away
F# E
i’ve got nothing smart to say”

E A
there’s a sign on the barn
F# E
in the cabbage town
E A
“when the rain picks up
F# E
and the sun goes down
E A
sinners , come inside
F# E
with no money , come and buy

E A
no clever talk , nor a gift to bring
F# E
requires our lowly , lovely king
E A
come you , empty handed ,
F#
you don’t need anything”

[ the solo is tremolo picking
listen to the song to figure out the pattern of how long
to pick each note}

E – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 11 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |
B – – 14 – 16 – – 17 – 16 – – – 16 – 14 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |
G – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |
D – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |
A – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |
E – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – |

E A
and the night was cool and clear as glass
F# E
with the sneaking snake in the garden grass
E A
deep cried out to deep
F# E
the disciples fast asleep

E A
and the snake perked up when he heard you ask
F# E
“if you’re willing that this cup might pass
E
we could find our way back home
A F# E
maybe start a family all our own”

E A
“but does not the father guide the son?
F# E
not my will , but yours be done .
E A
what else here to do?
F# E
what else for me , but you?”

E A
and the snake who’d held the world
F# E
a stick , a carrot and a string
E A
was crushed beneath the foot
F# E
of your not wanting anything