BIG HOUSE, MIDDLE HOUSE, BACK HOUSE, BARN
Dave had the signature rhythm and bounce that starts the song in his
Head and Tom had a Big House, Middle House, Back House, Barn. The
Two took the extended New England farmhouse and applied the
Metaphor to the many families who grew up in one. "Big House" has
Gone on to become one of the group's favorite sing-a-longs.
Through the big house, middle house, back house, barn,
Goes the kitten with a mitten and a ball of yarn;
All a'scitter and a'scamper, gonna upset Grandpa
By playing under his chair.
From the halls with the walls and the floors well worn
To the room in the eaves where the kids were born;
It's the place we grew 'til we finally knew
We'd have to leave it all behind.
And I can see like yesterday the smile on Grandma's face.
And I can hear the love we shared as it echoes in this space.
And though it's just a memory, it cannot be erased;
For like the big house, middle house, back house, barn,
We're connected to this place.
In the big house, middle house, back house, barn,
There's Dad with Mother on his arm.
You can tell inside he's filled with pride;
You can see it in his sparklin' eyes.
When they built this house it was strong and stout,
And it took a lot of love to keep the weather out.
It held our faith and cradled our dreams
And kept us warm and dry.
In the big house, middle house, back house, barn,
We still live here and life goes on.
There've been a few changes and a few rearranges
But the love remains the same.
And we all meet here maybe once a year
And we talk about the folks we hold so dear;
And the kids make noise as they play with toys
That come from another time.