It was the thirty first 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, fishing, badminton, 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 dragging along
I saw Uncle Gene coming back from his car
With something 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
Acting civilized didn't seem to matter
Everybody got to showing their honey including me

Lord, I'd never known granny to take her a sip
But the words were a slurring coming off of her lips
And it dawned on me, white lightning hit the family tree

Well, cousin Johnny was a gator, Jimmy was a UT fan
And that football talk was quickly getting out of hand
And granny told Uncle Dave that she hated his guts
Got right up in his face said, your whole family's nuts
Chicken legs got to flying and the whoop started hitting the fan

Yeah, that ol' boom box got louder and louder
Acting civilized didn't seem to matter
Everybody got to showing their honey including me

Lord, I'd never known granny to take her a sip
But the words were a slurring coming off of her lips
And it dawned on me, white lightning hit the family tree

Well, 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 slurring coming off of her lips
And it dawned on me, white lightning hit the family tree
Yeah, it dawned on me, white lightning hit the family tree

Oh, that day we had a good time, man
Take it home, yo