From the recording From Infinity To Here (deluxe version)
Ashlie Jewel: Vocals, upright bass
Terry McClain: Banjo, vocals
Sammy Baker: Drums
Vicky Kremer Plant: Fiddle
Mixed by Ricky Martini, Terry McClain and Ashlie Jewel
Lyrics
The Tale Of Carolina Dickens
She cried, she cried
Sat alone on a boat on her side
Lookin to her old mammy's word to be her guide
Carolina Dickens laid out on the lake
Hear the fish a jumpin and waitin on her fate
Rain fell like a spider web and held her body down
Her heart sank like a river rock when no one was around
Don't you know (you've been told)
For your life (You will row)
Far away (as you can go) but you don't understand
Get on alive (grab the oar)
You ain't stayin (here no more)
There's a light (in the sky)
Blazin from a trail of a comet
She cried, she cried
Oh my Lord, she nearly died
Lookin to her old mammy's words to be her guide
She tried, she tried
Lookin up to heaven seen a light
Lookin at her old mammy's comet gleamin in the night
Carolina lay there like a shy little girl
Swaying with the water and the weight of the world
When things got too heavy she ran out to the dock
Paddled til all land was gone and just began to sob
It's ok (no it's not) what you gave (what he got)
Took you to (a parking lot) and led you by the hand
Now it's over (no more fear) it will only (keep you here)
Get on up (wipe your tears) grab yourself an oar and get on home
She cried, she cried
Oh my Lord, she nearly died
Lookin to her old mammy's words to be her guide
She tried, she tried
Lookin up to heaven seen a light
Lookin at her old mammy's comet gleamin in the night
Carolina Dickens oh me oh my
Found herself in peril and looked to the sky
Thought of dear ol daddy who warned a man could be
Easy on the outside but hard in company
Now you know (you can see) through this pain (and misery)
darkness only sets you free as you row into the night
/ You found your way (you got home) There's no need (to be alone)
Just as you (have always known) there's a better man who'll do you right
She cried, she cried
Sat alone on a boat on her side
Lookin to her old mammy's words to be her guide
She tried, she tried
Lookin up to heaven seen a light
Lookin to her old mammy's comet
Listenin to her old mammy's words
Thinkin of her good daddy's promise she's alive