Opening Bridge In a frontier town that time soon forgot, With wagon wheel ruts and old copper pots. In the middle of those lives, both rich and poor, Stood Catherine Baker’s General Store. Verse 1 Major Brown was a military man, Straight-backed, steady, with a map in his hand. He’d stop for a coffee, tip his hat at the door, And trade a tall tale in Catherine’s store. Chorus Baker’s General, where the lanterns burned bright, She gave what you needed by day or by night. From a ribbon or nail, to a kind word or two, Baker’s General always carried you through. Verse 2 Judge Fedders sat on his bench all day, Keeping the peace in a fair-minded way. But he’d ease his load with a chuckle and more, When he passed an hour in Miss Catherine’s store. Chorus Baker’s General, where the lanterns burned bright, She gave what you needed by day or by night. From a ribbon or nail, to a kind word or two, Baker’s General always carried you through. Verse 3 Miss Wilma put out a mighty spread, With cornbread hot and the table well-fed. But her spices and sugar, she kept in supply, From Catherine’s shelves stacked neat and high. Verse 4 Cousin Clarence could play and sing, Made the rafters ring with a guitar string. He’d pick us a tune, sometimes play four, And light up the night in that country store. Verse 5 Doc Woodward healed the eyes as far as you could see, Mended the weak so their sight walked free. But his powders and tonics, and salves by the score, All made their way first through Catherine’s store. Final Chorus (gentle) Baker’s General, where the lanterns burned bright, She gave what you needed by day or by night. From a ribbon or nail, to a kind word or two, Baker’s General always carried you through. Tag Yes, Catherine Baker’s General Store carried you through.
