Sleep Sweet Ruby

As a child
I thought her mean
Barking orders
Do this
Do that
Clean this
Wash this pot

Now I miss her so much
My sweet miserable granny
Who made the best ackee
and poke fry
No joke
Lick di plate dry

Who taught me all my values
With a belt cross mi backside
Who taught me; "put on di pot
Food soon come
God soon send a man
bring sum from grung"

Who taught me;
"Di man work hard
Mek sure
share im di biggest plate
By time im reach di yaad

Keep the place clean
And shine di floor
And everything you have
Yuh fi give tanks for
Before you don't get anymore"

She teach mi to wash clothes

Pan di wash board
Mek sure yuh go to service
And serve the Lord

I wish she was still here
Screaming "gineration of viper
Go wash up di plate before mi pick piece of cedar
And corn yuh bahine"
Man those were good times

Sleep sweet Mrs Ruby
I wish you could see me
I think you would be proud
But I know in my heart
You are looking down
With pride.