@bobjestes recorded a beautiful demo for this one here: https://fawm.org/songs/131776/
I think of these lyrics as being like Merle Haggard's song Mama Tried with a little more uplift at the end.
Ma was rolling out a pie crust, I was late to meet no good
I coulda used some money, but I knew where she stood
She chewed at her lip, frowned, shook her head
I laced up for a dressing down, she touched my sleeve instead
Ma said
Son, you need to iron that shirt, Hon, let me iron that shirt
No clue how to straighten you out, but at least I can iron that shirt
I've dodged my share a bullets, I've paid a few stiff fines
Wracked up misdemeanors, but not too much hard time
Ma went without a lotta things, she come 'n post my bail
She'd always bring a change of clothes to pick me up at jail
Everytime
Son, you need to iron that shirt, Hon, let me iron that shirt
No clue how to straighten you out, but at least I can iron that shirt
I ran late to Mama's funeral, 'fore I picked up my part
Her iron's pointed arrow tip was singe-d across my heart
I pressed the yoke myself, I couldn't get it flat
I wish that that hot cotton smell could 'a brought her back
But Mama's up there singing, she's joined an angel band
In my soul, I just know, there's an iron in her hand
A host 'a angel mama's, 'a starching up the dead
All in three part harmony, all singing like she said
Son, you need to iron that shirt, Hon, let me iron that shirt
No clue how to straighten you out, but at least I can iron that shirt
@andygetch Mar 2022
An interesting write from another characters perspective in a complex situation described in a well-known song. Quite a hook there with 'iron that shirt'.
@mckillop Feb 2022
Really cool, Nancy.
The verse for the funeral especially.
Lots of images (the iron burn mark over his heart) and sensory stuff (I love the hot cotton smell).
@jayjay Feb 2022
Really great, clever lyrics. I hope this gets put to music. Would love to hear it.
@nancyrost Feb 2022
This is really clever. So many great turns of phrase and neat little details. I like the pie crust, "laced up for a dressing down", "wracked up misdemeanors", and the central symbol. Nice take on a classic theme.