BIG BROTHER
(Jack Clement / Allen Reynolds / Dickey Lee)


Tex Ritter (with the King Sisters) - 1964
Dickey Lee - 1965
Johnny Paycheck - 1967
Tompall & The Glaser Bros. - 1967



She was seven and I was just ten
When she moved next door to the house we lived in
She followed me around and got in my hair
Wherever I looked she'd be there

An awkward little girl with big brown eyes
She'd ask me over for tea and mud pies
A freckled faced angel always in my way
But I couldn't refuse when she'd say

(Big brother, take me with you)
(Wherever you're goin' I want to go to)
(You're so silly, the things that you do)
(But big brother how I love you)

As we grew older I'd take her around
We'd go to the fair when it came to town
The side shows and candy would keep us all day
And if we were late she would say

(Mother, there's no need to worry and fuss)
(My big brother can take care of us)
(He's like one of our own family)
(Big brother takes care of me)

So the years flew by, then one night in the spring
All of a sudden she was eighteen
No longer the little girl I'd known all my life
And I wanted to make her my wife

But a few days later, her heart all aglow
In order that I'd be the first one to know
She brought him over and in her sweet way
Told me of her wedding day

Big brother I've been so long
But now big brother will have to be strong
So I'll turn and hide these tears in my eyes
I can't let her see big brother cry






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - September 2011)