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A Stick A Carrot A String Tab

by Mewithoutyou


the horse's hay beneath his head
                             
our Lord was born to a manger bed
                           
that all whose wells run dry
                           
could drink of his supply

                                 
to keep him warm, the sheep drew near
                                 
so grateful for His coming here
                       
come with news of grace
                      
come to take my place

the donkey whispered in his ear
                           
"child, in 30-some-odd years
                                    
you'll ride someone who looks like me
              
untriumphantly"


                                
the cardinals warbled a joyful song
                                  
he'll make right what man made wrong

bringing low the hills
                             
that the valleys might be filled

                             
then "child", asked the birds
                                       
"well, aren't they lovely words we sing?"
                         
the tiny baby lay there
                     
without saying anything


at a distance stood a mangy goat
                               
with the crooked teeth and a matted coat
                    
weary eyes and worn
                        
chipped and twisted horns

                                        
thinking "maybe I'll make friends someday
                                       
with the cows and the hens in the rambouillet
                          
but for now, I'll keep away
                             
I've got nothing smart to say"

                        
there's a sign on the barn
                   
in the cabbage town
                     
"when the rain picks up
                    
and the sun goes down
                    
sinners, come inside
                         
with no money, come and buy

                               
no clever talk, nor a gift to bring
                         
requires our lowly, lovely king
                     
come you, empty handed,
               
you don't need anything"

[the solo is tremolo picking
listen to the song to figure out the pattern of how long
to pick each note}

e---------------11-------------------------|
B--14-16--17-16---16-14--------------------|
G------------------------------------------|
D------------------------------------------|
A------------------------------------------|
E------------------------------------------|

                                   
and the night was cool and clear as glass
                                  
with the sneaking snake in the garden grass
                    
deep cried out to deep
                        
the disciples fast asleep

                                         
and the snake perked up when he heard You ask
                                       
"if you're willing that this cup might pass

we could find our way back home
                              
maybe start a family all our own"

                                    
"but does not the Father guide the Son?
                             
not my will, but yours be done.
                     
what else here to do?
                        
what else for me, but You?"

                               
and the snake who'd held the world
                           
a stick, a carrot and a string
                           
was crushed beneath the foot
                          
of your not wanting anything