It was the thirtyfirst gathering of the
Thompsons, Joneses, and Smiths
There were tables full of chicken
Taters, collard greens, and grits
Well it all took place at Hatie Lake State Park
Volleyball, fishin', badmitton, yard darts
Aunt Irene said she'd never seen a turnout like this

Well it started with hand shakes
And lordy, how the babies have grown
As the sun got hotter the day got to draggin' along
I saw Uncle Gene comin' back from his car
With somethin' clear as water in a mason jar
The lemonade got hearty and, Lordy, the party was on

That ol' boom box got louder and louder
Actin' civilzed didn't seem to matter
Everybody got to showin' their hiney includin' me
Lord I'd never known Granny to take her a sip
But the words were a slurrin' comin' off of her lips
And it dawned on me
White lightnin' hit the family tree

Well cousin Johnny was a gator
Jimmy was a UT fan
And that football talk
Was quickly gettin out of hand
Granny told Uncle Dave that she hated his guts
Got right up in his face said, your whole famn damily's nuts
Chicken legs got to flyin'
And the whoop started hittin' the fan

Yeah, that ol' boom box got louder and louder
Actin' civilzed didn't seem to matter
Everybody got to showin' their hiney includin' me
Lord I'd never known Granny to take her a sip
But the words were a slurrin' comin' off of her lips
And it dawned on me
White lightnin' hit the family tree

That ol' park ranger jumped out of his car
Said, listen here folks, it's gone a little too far
Tear it all down, pack it all up
Call it quits while there's still a little love

Yeah I've never known Granny to take her a sip
But the words were a slurrin' comin' off of her lips
And it dawned on me
White lightnin' hit the family tree

Yeah it dawned on me
White lightnin' hit the family tree