Lyrics of 'The Legend Of The Dogwood Tree' by Wilma Lee Cooper

There is a lovely story, the legend tho it be
It tells how blessed Jesus was pitied by a tree
T'was in the days when Jesus this earth did walk upon
The dogwood tree was larger it's wood was firm and strong

How beautiful the story the legend of a tree
That sobbed for dear Jesus unto old calvary
It proves that if we love him a blessing we'll receive
Just as the lovely story of the lowly dogwood tree.

At the time of the crucifixion the dogwood attained the size of the oak and other forest trees.
So strong and firm was the wood of it, that it was chosen for the timber of the cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree
And Jesus sensed this and smiled upon it.

And in his gentle pity for sorrow said to it:
Because of your regret and pity for my suffering I make you this promise
Never again shall the dogwood grow enough to be used for a cross
Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted
And it's blossoms shall be in the form of a cross, two long petals and two short pedals

And in the center of the outer edge of each petal
There'll be the nail print browned with rust and stained with blood.
And the center of the flower will be an image of the crown of thorns
And all who see it will remember that it was upon the dogwood tree I was crucified
And this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed but cherished as a reminder of my death
Upon the cross

Two petals long two petals short a symbol of the cross
On each the print of nails and blood which pictures Jesus lost.
In the center of each flower the crown of thorns can see
And so is told the legend of the lowly dogwood tree.