Inspired by the beloved classic poem Good Timber, this powerful folk song brings timeless lessons of perseverance, courage, hard work, and resilience to life through rich acoustic melodies and meaningful lyrics. Rooted in traditional folk storytelling, this inspiring song reminds children and families that strength is often built through challenge, growth, and endurance.
With vivid imagery of towering trees weathering storms and growing stronger through wind, rain, and struggle, this poetic folk ballad encourages listeners to embrace hard things, build character, and hold steady through life’s difficulties. The warm folk instrumentation and memorable melody make this song ideal for family listening, homeschool learning, morning time, poetry study, or moments when children need encouragement and inspiration.
Good Timber by Douglas Malloch
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease:
The stronger wind, the stronger trees;
The further sky, the greater length;
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
This musical adaptation transforms classic poetry into an engaging learning experience — helping children connect emotionally to beautiful language while naturally memorizing meaningful literature through song.
Perfect for:
Homeschool poetry and literature study
Character-building family music
Inspiring perseverance and resilience in children
Morning time, quiet reflection, or family gatherings
Folk music lovers and acoustic storytelling fans
Teaching timeless values through music and poetry
Whether sung around the table, played during homeschool lessons, or listened to during quiet moments, this folk song version of “Good Timber” offers encouragement, wisdom, and strength for both children and adults alike.
Inspired by the beloved classic poem Good Timber, this powerful folk song brings timeless lessons of perseverance, courage, hard work, and resilience to life through rich acoustic melodies and meaningful lyrics. Rooted in traditional folk storytelling, this inspiring song reminds children and families that strength is often built through challenge, growth, and endurance.
With vivid imagery of towering trees weathering storms and growing stronger through wind, rain, and struggle, this poetic folk ballad encourages listeners to embrace hard things, build character, and hold steady through life’s difficulties. The warm folk instrumentation and memorable melody make this song ideal for family listening, homeschool learning, morning time, poetry study, or moments when children need encouragement and inspiration.
Good Timber by Douglas Malloch
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease:
The stronger wind, the stronger trees;
The further sky, the greater length;
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
This musical adaptation transforms classic poetry into an engaging learning experience — helping children connect emotionally to beautiful language while naturally memorizing meaningful literature through song.
Perfect for:
Homeschool poetry and literature study
Character-building family music
Inspiring perseverance and resilience in children
Morning time, quiet reflection, or family gatherings
Folk music lovers and acoustic storytelling fans
Teaching timeless values through music and poetry
Whether sung around the table, played during homeschool lessons, or listened to during quiet moments, this folk song version of “Good Timber” offers encouragement, wisdom, and strength for both children and adults alike.
