oh sister, bring out the butter (good)
and place it on the table there
then rest your bones
and welcome home;
for you we’ve always got a chair
oh brother, bring out the coffee (black)
and set it next to the old cream jug
then talk awhile
and time beguile;
for you we’ve always got a mug
oh mother, bring out the bread (so hot)
and break it in good company
for the feast we eat
in love tastes sweet
and all at the table are family
oh father, bring out the wine (so red)
and pour it into the common glass
for sinner and saint
drink without restraint
of the grace that brings us home at last
