Back to Teaching the Song Three Cups of Tea
Three Cups of Tea
For Greg Mortenson and the Children of Pakistan
Words and Music by Jake Fleming
Greg’s daughter, Amira, is often accompanied by
Jeni Fleming and her Afghan trio when singing the song.
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
I see a hero. A child of the times.
A girl who lives with joy. Who’s not afraid to speak her mind
and thinks the world is divine.
I see a young boy etching letters in the sand.
In this land of ancient scars a promise still remains;
When darkness comes you can see the stars.
Three cups of tea. First cup, you’re a stranger.
Three cups of tea. Second cup, a friend.
Three cups of tea. By the third you’re family.
How long to trust a stranger? How long to share three cups of tea?
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
A light burns bright across the ocean.
A light shines warm before the sun.
I’ve got to find a way to build a bridge, join us to them, and be the change I wish to see.
If I give a penny for a pencil,
my hero writes a word.
Her words become great tools, his stories make wise the fools, And I
believe it’s just three cups away.
Three cups of tea. First cup, you’re a stranger.
Three cups of tea. Second cup, a friend.
Three cups of tea. By the third you’re family.
How long to trust a stranger? How long to share?
I will call you friend, sit with you
here to build a bridge, share the dream in this circle of friends.
Three cups of tea. First cup, you’re a stranger.
Three cups of tea. Second cup, a friend.
Three cups of tea. By the third you’re family.
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m A-ssa-la-m A-lai-ku-m
Back to Teaching the Song Three Cups of Tea