From the recording Shoe Polish
Common objects can connect us with the soul. I was about to throw away a frayed paper doll box after my mother had passed and remembered....! Missing in action for days, I returned home to find mam had re-arranged my room. In front of the now orderly rack of shoes there it was! As a child I had wanted a fancy wooden shoeshine box which she could not afford. Instead, she took an old cardboard doll box, filled it with a shiner's tools and inscribed the words Shoe Polish. In gratitude for her selfless devotion this song emerged.
Lyrics
There's a cardboard box I keep that makes me sing. There ain't no gold inside but it's got precious things; shoe laces and leather protector and a tube of Twist and Shine, Scuff Zapper and shoe creme, and a brush so soft and fine. On the top and on one side two words are written that always make me smile!
SHOE POLISH IN MY MOMMA'S HAND; THAT'S A REAL LOVE THAT I CAN UNDERSTAND. WHEN MY FEET GET WEARY AND I'M ALL SCUFFED UP, THERE'S ONE THING I KNOW; I'VE GOT SOME SHOE POLISH TO SHINE MY SOUL.
One of a collection; a doll box holder, dedicated to children eight years or older. Held a doll named Emily, one of Yesterday's Children. I couldn't wait to grow up. I was young and searchin'. Now I'm on the road, trying to understand, why I wanted to leave the Promised Land.
FOR SOME SHOE POLISH, IN MY MOMMA'S HAND. THAT'S A REAL LOVE, A BOY CAN UNDERSTAND. WHEN MY FEET GET WEARY AND I''M ALL SCUFFED UP, THERE'S ONE THING I KNOW. I GOT SOME SHOE POLISH TO SHINE MY SOUL.