Story Behind The Song

This song tells the true story of my maternal grandparents, Jean and Frank, from their meeting on her parents' farm in upstate New York, to the grandmother I remember who was equally adept with a grease gun and a cake decorating gun. Independent and stylish, she survived for many years after the death of her husband. The final verse is almost exactly true: after being cared for at home, with no food and water, the family was gathered around her bed, singing "Amazing Grace". For the first time in weeks she opened her eyes, and sat up. "Do you see Grandpa?" my sister asked ... and with a smile of such joy on her face, Jean lay back down and died.

Song Description

This folk/country story song in 3/4 time tells the true story of Frank and Jean from their courtship, to the hard days of their early married life, and through to old age. It expresses themes of hope, of faith, and knowing that love is always enough to see us through. The chorus of Frank's invitation to his beloved to follow him returns with a poignant touch to conclude the song, expressing the hope that the two will be reunited, that love is even stronger than death.

Lyrics

Frank had on a suit
When he came to call
Jean wore mud and milk
from feeding calves in their stall
But the gleam in her eyes
Was all that he saw
She ran to change her overalls
He stood there in awe

It was nineteen and thirty
Jean hated the farm
The Depression had come
And done so many harm
But this tall handsome man
With his big city ways
After a dance one night
Said "I've something to say"

Oh Jean, Jean, if you come with me
I'll take you from here
To the land of your dreams
If we walk hand in hand
We'll make it you'll see
My heart calls to you, Jean

They drove to Detroit
Where Jean soon discovered
They'd move in with his sister
Who wasn't very fond of brother
Tiny rooms with no doors
For two endless years
Left no room for romance
But plenty for tears

Finally a small house
With their name on the door
Two daughters soon made it
A family of four
And a good job at Fords
Kept all fed and warm
It wasn't very glamorous
But it was their home

Oh Jean, Jean, if you come with me
I'll take you from here
To the land of your dreams
If we walk hand in hand
We'll make it you'll see
My heart calls to you, Jean

The daughters soon grew
Had their own families
And grandma and grandpa
Spoiled them with ease
But Frank put on that suit
'Cause his Lord called him home
He didn't want to do it
He left Jean alone

Jean remained independent
Changed the oil in her car
Volunteered and baked cakes
Babysat near and far
But as she laid on her deathbed
And we sang Amazing Grace
You could tell she heard something else
By the look on her face

Oh Jean, Jean, if you come with me
I'll take you from here
To the land of your dreams
If we walk hand in hand
We'll make it you'll see
My heart calls to you
Jean, Jean, if you come with me
I'll take you from here
To the land of all dreams
We'll walk hand in hand
For all eternity
My heart calls to you, Jean