words and music by Todd Herzog, www.toddherzog.com
Copyright 2007, Todd Herzog (VoxArt Music, ASCAP)

Lyrics:
It was planted by my grandpa
In his wisdom and his forethought
To provide shade and protection for our family
As he finished with his toil
He looked up at me from the soil
And I never will forget the words he said to me

If you hold on tight
To this tree of life
You will live a life of justice and integrity
If you learn to see
It will set you free
And the more you give the more you will receive
Just hold onto the tree
Etz Chayim Hi

I was on a search for knowledge
As I headed off to college
But my hopes of fame and fortune were my fantasy
I got caught up in the current
Life was passing in a hurry
And advice from long ago was just a memory

If you hold on tight
To this tree of life
You will live a life of justice and integrity
If you learn to see
It will set you free
And the more you give the more you will receive
Just hold onto the tree
Etz Chayim Hi

When the phone rang that day
There was a voice from far away
It was a wake up call from home
So I drove 500 miles
For a hug and one last smile
And I cried as he let go

If you hold on tight
To this tree of life
You will live a life of justice and integrity
If you learn to see
It will set you free
And the more you give the more you will receive
Just hold onto the tree
Etz Chayim Hi

The years flow by like water
As I look upon my daughter
I can see my grandpa’s image looking back at me
I can almost hear his laughter
Coming through from ever after
As I teach her of her family’s famous legacy

If you hold on tight
To this tree of life
You will live a life of justice and integrity
If you learn to see
It will set you free
And the more you give the more you will receive
Just hold onto the tree
Etz Chayim Hi
It’s time for you and me
To hold onto the tree
Etz Chayim Hi