Track 2 of the album Early Light · 2010
Shine Your Shoes, Walk Tall
by Elijah Stone & the Zion Gate
“A father's song for a young one going out to face the day. Stand straight, shine your shoes, and the road will meet you.”
roots reggae · anthemic roots · harmony reggae · 3:18
Lyrics
Early in the morning, rooster crowing loud Young one at the doorway, standing straight and proud Mama press the collar, Papa fix the tie Say the world is waiting underneath the open sky Shine your shoes, walk tall Rise up, rise up, answer the call Shine your shoes, walk tall First job, first step, you will not fall Work is a blessing, honest hands are gold Learn from the elders, listen to the old Every little task you do, do it with a prayer Seeds of faithful labour, bless them everywhere Shine your shoes, walk tall Rise up, rise up, answer the call Shine your shoes, walk tall First job, first step, you will not fall Steady, steady, one foot then the next Patience is the lesson, patience is the text Humble in the morning, stronger in the night Keep your heart upright and the road will be bright Years from now you'll tell it to a child of your own How you took your first job and made it a stone Foundation for the house you build with love and care Faith and work together, they will carry you there Shine your shoes, walk tall Rise up, rise up, answer the call Shine your shoes, walk tall First job, first step, you will not fall Walk tall, walk tall Rise up, rise up, walk tall