Flatt was born in Jackson County, Tennessee to Nannie Mae Haney and Isaac Columbus Flatt.[1] A singer and guitarist, he first came to prominence as a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in the 1940s. In 1948 he started a band with fellow Monroe alumnus Earl Scruggs, and for the next twenty years Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys were one of the most successful bands in bluegrass. When they parted ways in 1969, Flatt formed a new group, the Nashville Grass, hiring most of the Foggy Mountain Boys. His role as lead singer and rhythm guitar player in each of these seminal ensembles helped define the sound of traditional bluegrass music. He created a role in the Bluegrass Boys later filled by the likes of Jimmy Martin, Mac Wiseman, Peter Rowan and Del McCoury. His rich lead voice is unmistakable in hundreds of bluegrass standards. He is also always remembered for his library of compositions. The Flatt songbook looms titanic for any student of American acoustic music. He continued to record and perform with that group until his death in 1979. Flatt was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985 with Scruggs. He was posthumously made an inaugural inductee into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1991.
Flatt and Scruggs were ranked #24 on CMT's 40 Greatest Men in Country Music in 2003.
Father's Table Grace
Lester Flatt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My thoughts return to childhood to the finest guy I know
He doesn't speak good English he's just a simple man
But when he talks to the Lord even a little child can understand
I was awful young and reckless the thought still comes to me
When I told dad I felt that I was old enough to leave
He sat there at the table I looked him on his face
He said our graceous heavenly father we all gathered here today
To give these things of blessings so humbly we pray
My oldest son is leaving and I guess he knows what's best
But just in case would you stand by and help him stand the test
And Lord he's awful neglectful about church on Sunday morn
And if he gets with a wrong crowd would you let him hold your arm
And if he flies too high would you clip his wings
But don't let him fall too hard I'm sure that you can hand the things
Oh I've tried my best from day to day to teach him right from wrong
He's grown to be a fine young man Lord but you've always blessed our home
I just pray for understanding that he won't build upon the sand
But I won't worry half as much Lord if I know he's in your hands
And oh yeah Lord it won't be long till I'll be coming home
We'll have some long talks you and I don't make me wait too long
We beg dear Lord for guidance please cleanse us from our sins
So we all can meet in heaven in Jesus name amen
The table was silent as tears went down my face
From that day on I base my life on father's table grace
Lester Flatt's song "Father's Table Grace" is a touching tribute to a father's love and devotion to his son. The song paints a picture of a family gathered around the table, heads bowed low, as they say grace before a meal. The singer, reflecting on his childhood, remembers his father as a simple man who spoke little English but had a deep faith. The father's prayer is heartfelt and asks for God's help in guiding his son through life's challenges.
The song takes a poignant turn when the singer recalls a time when he was young and foolish, and thought he was ready to leave home. His father, knowing better, remained silent until it was time to say grace. During the prayer, the father asks God to watch over his son, to help him make the right decisions, and to keep him safe from harm. The singer is moved to tears by his father's words and from that day on, he says, he based his life on "Father's Table Grace."
The song speaks to the universal experience of growing up and leaving home, of fathers and sons, and of the role that faith can play in guiding us through life's ups and downs. It's a simple, heartfelt message that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the love and guidance of a parent or the power of prayer.
Line by Line Meaning
While we sit at our table my family heads bowed low
As we gather around the table to eat, we bow our heads to pray.
My thoughts return to childhood to the finest guy I know
Thinking of my father during this prayer makes me reflect on my childhood with him and how much I admire him.
He doesn't speak good English he's just a simple man
My father may not be the most eloquent speaker, but he is a humble and sincere person.
But when he talks to the Lord even a little child can understand
Despite his simple way of speaking, my father's prayers are easy to understand and deeply heartfelt.
He sat there at the table I looked him on his face
When I announced my intention to leave home, my father sat silently at the table and looked me in the eyes.
He never spoke another word till he said the table grace
Rather than reacting immediately to my announcement, my father waited until it was time to give thanks for the food to speak again.
But just in case would you stand by and help him stand the test
My father prays for God's protection and guidance for me as I leave home.
And Lord he's awful neglectful about church on Sunday morn
My father acknowledges my tendency to skip church and asks God to keep me on the right path.
And if he gets with a wrong crowd would you let him hold your arm
My father fears I may fall in with bad company and asks God to guide me in the right direction.
But don't let him fall too hard I'm sure that you can hand[e] the things
My father trusts God to help me through any challenges I may face, but he still asks for protection.
I just pray for understanding that he won't build upon the sand
My father hopes that I will have the wisdom to build my life on a solid foundation and not make foolish mistakes.
We beg dear Lord for guidance please cleanse us from our sins
The family prays together for God's guidance and forgiveness of their sins.
So we all can meet in heaven in Jesus name amen
The family hopes to be reunited in heaven someday.
The table was silent as tears went down my face
After my father's prayer, the table fell silent and I cried with emotion.
From that day on I base my life on father's table grace
My father's prayer had a profound impact on me, and from that day on I tried to live my life according to its message.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Lewandowski
Today's society is in VERY DIRE need of a Father's table grace! I remember when I left home and both my parents sent me off with their blessings! This song hits me closer to the heart than ever since my Daddy passed away last August! I miss him SO! I'm sure he's up there in heaven saying that table grace still!
vintagegospel
I Agree with you completely, he was a blessed singer talented individual. A legend in bluegrass/Gospel music.
Stan Whittaker
touches my heart every time I hear this song, lester flatt is singing from his heart I believe on this song!
John Lewandowski
Me too! This song is closer to home with me even more so now that my Daddy passed away last August! I'm sure he's in heaven saying that table grace still!
Avis Swope
THANK YOU JESUS FOR SAVING ME YOUR GRACE IS SUFFCIENT
Wings4Mama
What beautiful memories this song stirs! How I look forward to sitting at my Heavenly Father's table, with my father saying grace. Thank you for posting. God bless your YouTube ministry.
WIld Hobo
No one could make me feel a song like Lester Flatt.
willmanami
Train a child in the way to go and he shall not depart from it. When time get rough, we remember who loves us everyday when the world turns their back.
Lionel Ducote
Beyond Words, Sooooo Goooood I can't even believe it! Amen
Banjo Cantrell
Never a better one to do a gospel song like this one