Laura Nyro
"Talk to a Green Tree"

Baby in the cradle

I need to stay strong

I need some ease

Before long

And all the world around me

Is still in love with war

And I must teach that baby

That love is what life is for

And you may help me

Pretty daddy

But you can never lead me

'cause you don't seem to hear me

Gonna talk to a green tree

Talk to a green tree

Green tree—

What am I gonna do?

What am I gonna do?

I'm a working woman

With a baby on my back

Won't you see me through

Wind in the treetops

Flame in the song

Mother, I need your wise words

But you died before he was born

And all the world around me

Is still in love with war

And I must teach that baby, mama

That love is

What life is for

And you have fire

Little child

And we are growing

And I could really fly

With you by the green tree

We'll lie by the green tree

Green tree—

We're your company

We're your company

I'm a workin' woman

With a baby on my back

I need some energy

Listen, pretty daddy

You can take my place

Childcare and home

Is no disgrace

But eight days a week

May wilt your wild flower

And after you've done it all

Big daddy

Be ready for the midnight hour

And you—society

You can never lead me

'cause you don't seem to hear me

Gonna talk to a green tree

Talk to a green tree

Green tree—

What am I gonna do

To set my spirit free?

I'm a workin' woman

With a baby on my back

I need some energy