karaoke
I went out walking through the streets paved with gold
Lifted some stones, saw the skin and bones
Of a city without a soul
I went out walking under an atomic sky
Where the ground won't turn and the rain it burns
Like the tears when I said goodbye
Yeah, I went with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering
I went drifting through the capitals of tin
Where men can't walk or freely talk
And sons turn their fathers in
I stopped outside a church house where the citizens like to sit
They say they want the kingdom
But they don't want God in it
I went out riding, down that ol' eight lane
I passed by a thousand signs
Looking for my own name
I went with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you
I went out there in search of experience
To taste and to touch and to feel's as much
As a man can before he repents
I went out searching, looking for one good man
A spirit who would not bend or break
Who could sit at his father's right hand
I went out walking with a bible and a gun
The word of God lay heavy on my heart
I was sure, I was the one
Now Jesus, don't you wait up, Jesus, I'll be home soon
Yeah, I went out for the papers
Told her I'd be back by noon
Yeah, I left with nothing
But the thought you'd be there too
Looking for you
Yeah, I left with nothing
Nothing but the thought of you
I went wandering
There are some things I may not know
There are some places I can't go
But I am sure of this one thing
My God is real for I can feel Him in my soul
My God is real, real in my soul
My God is real for He has washed and made me whole
His love for me is like pure gold
My God is real for I can feel Him in my soul
Some folks may doubt, some folks may scorn
Well, they can all go on, just leave me alone
But ask for me, I'll take God's part
My God is real for I can feel Him in my heart
My God is real, real in my soul
My God is real for He has washed and made me whole
His love for me is like pure gold
Why do you punish me for loving you
You're counting my mistakes how about yours
Why do you sentence me too nice of tears
Convicting all these dreams I've dreamed for all these years
My heart cries out behind these prison bars
It pleads to you for your true love to set it free
Why do you punish me is love a crime
If so I'll spend the lifetime loving serving time
[ ac.guitar - piano ]
My heart cries out behind...
Well it was a time on earth when in the books of heaven
An old account was standing for sins yet unforgiven
My name was at the top and many things below
But I went unto the keeper and settled it long ago
Long ago (down on my knees) long ago (I settled it all)
Yes the old account was settled long ago (hallelujah)
And the record's clear today cause he washed my sins away
And the old account was settled long ago
Well the old account was large and growin' every day
And I was always sinnin' and I never tried to pray
But when I looked ahead and saw such pain and woe
Well I went unto the keeper and settled it long ago
Long ago (down on my knees)...
[ guitar ]
Now sinner seek the Lord repent of all your sins
Cause this he has commanded if you would enter in
And then if you should live a hundred years below
Well you know you got it settled cause you settled it long ago
Long ago (down on my knees)...
WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER (As recorded by Johnny Cash)
G C G
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
G A7 D
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
G G7 C G
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
A7 G
And the roll is called up yonder, I€™ll be there.
Chorus:
G
When the roll, is called up yonder,
D7
When the roll, is called up yonder,
G G7 C
When the roll, is called up yonder,
G D7 G
When the roll is called up yonder I€™ll be there.
Chorus
Let us labour for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I€™ll be there.
Chorus
Would you lay with me in a field of stone
If my need were strong would you lay with me
Should my lips grow dry would you wet them dear
In the midnight hour if my lips were dry
Would you go away to another land
Walk a thousand miles through the burning sand
Wipe the blood away from my dieing hand
If I give myself to you
Will you bathe with me in the stream of life
When the moon is full would you bathe with me
Will you still love me when I'm down and out
In my time of trials will you stand by me
Would you go away to another land
Walk a thousand miles through the burning sand
Wipe the blood away from my dieing hand
If I give myself to you
Would you lay with me in a field of stone
If my lips grow dry would you wet them dear
Would you bathe with me in the stream of life
Would you still love me when I'm down and out
Would you lay with me in a field of stone
When the moon is full would you lay with me
I can see now that you've stacked the cards so I leave you with my best regards
When you play to feel with nothing left to show look for me you won't have far to go
Love's a gamble and I'm a gamblin' man I've done everything to make you understand
But the odds are high and luck is running low look for me you won't have far to go
You won't have far to go if you want me cause I'm gonna stick close to you
And I'm not the kind to say I told you so look for me you won't have far to go
[ guitar ]
I am a lineman for the county
And I drive the main road
Searching in the sun
For another overload
I hear you singing in the wires
I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita lineman
Is still on the line
I know I need a small vacation
But it don’t look like rain
And if it snows
That stretch down south
Won’t ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman
Is still on the line
And I need you more than want you
And I want you for all time
And the Wichita lineman
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
Oh were you there when they crucified my Lord
(Oooh sometimes it causes me to tremble) tremble
Were you there when they crucified my Lord
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross
(Oooh sometimes it causes me to tremble) tremble
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross
[ ac.guitar ]
(Were you there when they laid him in the tomb
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb
Oooh sometimes it causes me to tremble) tremble
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb
Well were you there when the stone was rolled away
Were you there when the stone was rolled away
(Oooh sometimes it causes me to tremble) tremble
So here is the stable and there is the manger
The new Saviour sleeps on his first earthly night
The wise men brought riches but we brought a candle
It's all that we have but it gives a good light
We are the shepherds we walked cross the mountains
We left our flocks when the new star appeard
Oh the beautiful singin' of heavenly choir
We had to come see him we had to come here
We beg you forgive us for such a small offering
But our sheep are out there with wolves in the night
We bring you this candle it's all we have with us
But with it the new Saviour has his first light
We are the shepherds...
We thank Thee kind Joseph for bidding us enter
Please take our gift for the new babe to thine
'Tis only one candle but it is our symbol
Of how we believe that his great life will shine
Troublesome waters much blacker than night
Are hiding from view of the harbor's bright lights
Tossed in the turmoil of life's stormy sea I cry to my Saviour have mercy on me
Then gently I'm feeling the touch of his hands guiding my boat in safely to land
Leading the way to heaven's bright shore
Troublesome waters I'm fearing no more
[ ac.guitar ]
Troublesome waters around me do roll they're rocking my boat and racking my soul
Loved ones are drifting and living in sin the treacherous whirlpools are pulling them in
Then gently I'm feeling...
[ ac.guitar ]
When troublesome waters are rolling so high I'll lift up my voice and to heaven I'll cry
My Lord I am trusting give guidance to me and steady my boat on life's troubled sea
I have been ungrateful, I've been unwise.
Restless from the cradle, now I realize.
It's so hard to see the rainbow through glasses dark as these. Maybe I'll be able from now on, on my knees.
[chorus]
Oh I am weak. Oh I know I am vain.
Take this weight from me, Let my spirit be unchained.
Old man swearin' at the sidewalk, I'm overcome.
Seems that we've both forgotten, forgotten to go home.
Oh have I seen an angel, or have I seen a ghost? Where's that Rock of Ages when I need it most?
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
But I won't be blue always,
'Cause that sun is gonna shine in my back door someday
I'm going down to the river
I'm going top take me a rocking chair
and if the blues don't leave me, I rock on away from here
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
But I won't be blue always,
'Cause that sun is gonna shine in my back door someday
Trouble in mind, that's true
I have almost lost my mind
Life ain't worth living, I feel like I could die
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
My poor heart is healing slow
I've never had such trouble in my whole life before
I'm gonna lay my head on some lonesome railroad line
and let that 2:19 special ease my troubled mind
Trouble in mind, I'm blue,
But I won't be blue always
Time has passed I've forgotten mother nature does wonderful things
I thought nothing could stop me from loving you but time changes everything
You can change the name of an old song rearrange it and make it swing
I thought nothing could stop me from loving you but time changes everything
[ fiddle - steel ]
Goodbye goodluck may God bless you Idon't say I won't love again
Well they gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia sayin' Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38 this is old 97 put her into Spencer on time
Then he turned around and said to his black greasy fireman shovel on a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak Mountain watch old 97 roll
But it's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville
With a line on a three mile grade
It was on that grade that he lost his air brakes
see what a jump he made
Then the telegram come to Washington station and this is how it read
Oh that brave engineer that run old 97 he's a layin' in old Danville dead
He was goin' down the grade makin' 90 miles an hour his whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
A scalded to death by the steam
So now all you ladies you better take a warnin' from this time on and learn
Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband
He may leave you and never return
Poor boy
You're gonna break another heart
You're gonna tell another lie
Well here I am and there you go, you're gone again
I know you're gonna be the way you've always been
Breakin' hearts and tellin' lies is all you know
Another guy gives you the eye and there you go
There you go, you're gone again
I should've known, I couldn't win
There you go, you're by his side
You're gonna break another heart
You're gonna tell another lie
Because I love you so I take much more than I should take
I want you even though I know my heart is gonna break
You build me up and for a while I'm all a-glow
Then your fickle heart sees someone else and there you go
Thre you go, you're gone again
I should've known, I couldn't win
There you go, you're by his side
You're gonna break another heart
You're gonna tell another lie
Bad luck wind been blowing at my back
I was born to bring trouble to wherever
I'm at Got the number thirteen tattooed on my neck
When the ink starts to itch, then the black will turn to red
I was born in the soul of misery
Never had me a name
They just gave me the number when I was young
Got a long line of heartache
I carry it well
The list of lives
I've broken reach from here to hell
Back luck been blowing at my back
I pray you don't look at me, I pray I don't look back
I was born in the soul of misery
Never had me a name
They just gave me the number when I was young
I was born in the soul of misery
Never had me a name
They just gave me the number when I was young
These things shall pass and some great morning
We'll look back and smile at heartaches we have known
So don't forget when shadows gather
The Lord our God is still the King upon his throne
A rose looks grey at midnight but the flame is just asleep
And steel is strong because it knew the hammer and white heat
These things shall pass and life be sweeter
When love and faith are strong they cannot long endure
These things shall pass so don't you worry
The darkest time is just one hour before dawn
So hold up high and face your troubles
And don't dispare if you must face them all alone
A rose looks grey at midnight...
These hands aren't the hands of a gentleman these hands are calloused and old
These hands raised a family these hands built a home
Now these hands raised to praise the Lord
These hands won the heart of my loved one and with hers they were never alone
If these hands filled their task then what more could you ask
For these fingers have worked to the bone
[ organ ]
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be
For my life hasn't been a success
Some people have power but still they grieve
While these hands brought me happiness
Now I'm tired and I'm old and I haven't much gold
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
Lord above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
(Troubadour troubadour troubadour)
The troubadour the troubadour sings from his heart
The song that's the hit of the show
Watch him sing and play the strings of his guitar alone in the bright spotlight's glow
The song was for someone he loved so true
Who loved him then left him for someone new
The troubaour the troubadour smile as he sings but his heart is breaking in two
[ guitar ]
They beg for more the troubadour sings once again
The song that's the hit of the show
Watch him sing and play the strings of his guitar alone in the bright spotlight's glow
There is a hush in the darkened hall a few hearts are heavy and teardrops fall
But in the crowd one head is bowed for the troubadour
And oh her heart aches most of all
Troubadour troubadour her heart aches most of all
There's a lot of strange men in cell block ten
But the strangest of em' all
Was a friend of mine who spent his time
Starin' at the wall...
Starin' at the wall...
In his hand was a note that his gal had wrote
Proving crime don't pay
Was the very same gal he robbed and stole for
namin' her wedding day ,namin' her wedding day...
As he looked at the wall
So strong and tall
I heard him softly curse
Nobody at all ever climbed that wall
But I'm gonna be the first...
I'm gonna be the first...
Then the warden walked by and said son don't try
I'd hate to see you fall
Cause there is no doubt they'll carry you out
If you ever touch that wall...
If you ever touch that wall...
Well a years gone by since he made his try
But I can still recall
How hard he tried and the way he died
But he never made that wall...
He never made that wall...
Well there's never been a man who shook this can
But I knew a man who tried
Newspapers called it a jailbreak plan
But I know it was suicide...
Ii Ii ou Ii Ii Ii ou Ii Ii ou
Oh wagon trains rollin' along they fade from my visions and in time will be gone
I see an eagle in space my people will follow oh oh a vanishing race
Ii Ii ou Ii Ii Ii ou Ii Ii ou
An Indian brave rolled along one day on a lonely mountain trail
And he gazed below with a heart of woe where the prairie schooners sail
A vision formed like a mortal storm in the dust of the wagon train
A vanishing race appeared in space and he sang his sad refrain
Ii Ii ou Ii Ii Ii ou Ii Ii ou
Oh wagon trains rollin' along...
Oh now great spirits on high please spare them the sorrow you show to my eye oh oh
Now my blankets are roll and I ride to the valley of the brave Navajo oh oh
Ii Ii ou Ii Ii Ii ou Ii Ii ou
And I ride to the valley of the brave Navajo oh oh
Oh oh a vanishing Navajo oh the vanishing Navajo
So blue Lonesome too But still true
Rosie haunts me Makes me think of you
You're the one rose that's left in my heart, dear I love you, adore you, I do
Each night in dreamland we wander along
Telling love stories anew
When from a blue sky a black cloud came rolling
Breaking my heart in two
Oh we ought not to part
I have said from the start
You're the one rose that's left in my heart
Oh we ought not to part
I have said from the start
I was born the running kind
With leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me
At anytime
Every front door found me hoping
I would find the back door open
There just had to be an exit for the running kind
Within me there's a prison
Surrounding me alone
As real as any dungeon
With its wall of stone
I know running's not the answer
Though, running's been my nature
And a thing in me that keeps me moving on
I was born the running kind
With leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me
At anytime
Every front door found me hoping
I would find the back door open
There just had to be an exit for the running kind
I was born the running kind
With leaving always on my mind
Home was never home to me
At anytime
Every front door found me hoping
I would find the back door open
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross the emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a word of lost sinners was slain
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true it's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away where his glory forever I'll share
So I'll cherish...
The Man Comes Around (Alt take) Lyrics
Opening Introduction (Spoken part)
And I heard as it were the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying come and see and I saw
And behold a white horse
Song
There's a man going around taking names and he decides
Who to free and who to blame every body won't be treated
Quite the same there will be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up at the terror in each
Sip and each sup will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter's ground
When the man comes around
CHOURS
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers one hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to a big kettledrum
Voices calling and voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
Its alpha and omegas kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till Armageddon no shalam no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chicken's home
The wise man will bow down before the thorn and at his feet
They will cast the golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
CHOURS
Hear the trumpets hear the pipers one hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to a big kettledrum
Voices calling and voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
Its alpha and omegas kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
In measured hundred weight and penny pound
When the man comes around
Close (Spoken part)
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked and behold, a pale horse
And it's name that sat on him was Death
And Hell followed with him.
Will we get cold and hungry
Will times be very bad?
When we're needin' bread and meat
Where we gonna get it, Dad?
We'll get it from the man
In the house on the hill
Yes we will from the man on the hill
Ploughin' time is over
Still the fields are bare
How we gonna make a livin'
With twenty acres to share?
I'll beg for more land
From the man on the hill
Yes I will, I'll ask the man on the hill
I ain't got no Sunday shoes
That I can wear to town
Papa reckon the boss has got
A pair of hand-me-downs
I'll go and ask the man
In the house on the hill
Yes I will, I'll ask the man on the hill
Maybe he will help us
Maybe we'll get by
But who's gonna pay the dyin' bills
If we all should die
We'll leave it to the man
In the sky when we die
Ten years ago on a cold dark night,
there was someone killed beneath the town hall lights.
There were people at the scene and they all agreed,
that the slayer who ran looked a lot like me.
Chorous ~ She walks these hills, in a long black veil.
When the cold winds blow, and the night winds wail.
Nobody knows, no body sees.
Nobody knows, but me.
The Judge said son, what is your aliby,
if you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die.
I spoke not a word, though it ment my life,
cause I was in the arms, of my best friends wife.
Chorous ~ She walks these hills, in a long black veil.
When the cold winds blow, and the night winds wail.
No body knows, no body sees.
No body knows, but me.
The schaffold was high, and eternity near.
She stood in the crowd, and shed not a tear.
But some dark nights, when the cold winds wail.
She walks these hills, in a long black veil.
Chorous ~ She walks these hills, in a long black veil.
When the cold winds blow, and the night winds wail.
No body knows, nobody sees.
Nobody knows, but me.
Fades out with repetitive ~ Nobody knows, but me....
When I was a curly headed baby
My daddy sat me down upon his knee
He said, "Boy, you go to school and learn your letters
Don't you be a dirty miner like me"
I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they're standin' in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don't stop here anymore
I used to think my daddy was a black man
With script enough to buy the company store
Now he goes downtown with empty pockets
And his face is white as a February snow
I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they're standin' in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don't stop here anymore
Last night I dreamed I went down to the coal yard
To draw my pay like I always did before
But them ol' kudzu vines were comin' through the window
And the leaves and grass were growin' through the floor
I was born and raised in the mouth of the Hazard Hollow
Coal cars rambled past my door
Now they're standin' in a rusty row all empty
And the L & N
Don't stop here anymore
John Henry's Pappy woke him up one midnight
He said before the sheriff comes I wanna tell you, listen boy,
said learn to hoist a jack, and learn to lay a track, learn to pick and shovel too, and take my hammer, it'll do anything you tell it to
John Henry's mammy had about a dozen babies, John Henry's pappy broke jail a dozen times
the babies all got sick and when the doctor wanted money, he said I’ll pay you quarter at a time, startin’ tomorrow, that’s the pay for a steel driver on this line
Then the section foreman said hey hammer swinger, I see you brought you own hammer boy, but what else can all those muscles do?
and he said, I can hoist a jack, I can lay a track, I can pick a shovel too
and he said “can you swing that hammer ?”
I can I’ll do anything you hire me to
now ain’t you something so high and mighty with your muscles, just go ahead pick up that hammer and show me what you can do
he said get a rusty spike and swing it down three times, I’ll pay you a nickel a day for every inch you sink it to, go on and do what you say you can do
With a steep nose hammer on a four foot switch channel, John Henry raised it back till it touched his heels, then the spike went through the cross tie and it split it half in two, 35 cents a day for driving steel,
(he said sweat boy, sweat, you owe me two more swings)
I was born for driving steel
Well John Henry hammered in the mountain, he'd give a grunt and he'd give groan with every swing, the women folks for miles around, heard him and come down, to watch him make the cold steel ring, lord what a swinger, just listen to that cold steel ring,
but the bad boss come up laughing at John Henry, said you full of vinegar now, but you bout through, were gonna get a steam drill to do your share of driven, then what’s all them muscles gonna do, huh John Henry, gonna take a little bit of vinegar out of you
John Henry said I feed four little brothers, and my baby sister’s walking on her knees, did the lord say that machines ought to take the place of living, and what’s a substitute for bread and beans, I ain’t seen it, do engines get rewarded for their steam
John Henry hid in a coal mine for his dinner now, had thirty minutes to rest before the bell, the mine boss hollered get up whoever you are and get a pick ax, give me enough coal to start another hell, and keep it burning, mine me enough to start another hell
John Henry said to his captain, a man ain’t nothin’ but a man, but if you bring that steam drill round, I’ll beat it fair and honest, I’ll die with my hammer in my hand, but I’ll be laughing, because you cant replace a steel drivin’ man
There was a big crowd of people at the mountain, John Henry said to the steam drill how is you, pardon me mister steam drill, I suppose you didn’t hear me, I said how you, well can you turn a jack, can you lay a track, can you pick and shovel too, listen this hammer swingers talkin’ to you
2000 people hollered go John Henry, then somebody hollered the mountains caving in, John Henry told the captain, tell the kind folks not to worry, that ain’t nothin’ but my hammer suckin’ wind, keeps me breathing, a steel drivers muscle I intend,
Captain tell the people move back further, I’m at the finish line and I ain’t no drill, she’s so far behind you ain’t got the brains to quit it, when she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills, lord lordy, when she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills
Well John Henry had a little woman, I believe the lady's name was Polly Ann, yeah that was his good woman, John Henry threw his hammer over his shoulder and went on home, he laid down to rest his weary back and early next morning he said come here Polly Ann come here sugar, ya know I believe this is the first time i ever watched the sun come up that i couldn’t come up with it
Take my hammer Polly Ann and go to that rail road, swing that hammer like you seen me do it, and when your swinging with the lead men, they’ll all know they'll all know your John Henry's woman, but tell them that’s not all I can do, tell ‘em I can hoist a jack, and I can lay a track, I can pick and shovel too, ain’t no machine can, that’s been proved to you
(Jean Ritchie)
When I was a curly headed baby
My daddy sat me down on his knee
He said, "son, go to school and get your letters,
Don't you be a dusty coal miner, boy, like me."
[Chorus:]
I was born and raised at the mouth of hazard hollow
The coal cars rolled and rumbled past my door
But now they stand in a rusty row all empty
Because the l & n don't stop here anymore
I used to think my daddy was a black man
With script enough to buy the company store
But now he goes to town with empty pockets
And his face is white as a February snow
[Chorus]
I never thought I'd learn to love the coal dust
I never thought I'd pray to hear that whistle roar
Oh, god, I wish the grass would turn to money
And those green backs would fill my pockets once more
[Chorus]
Last night I dreamed I went down to the office
To get my pay like a had done before
But them ol' kudzu vines were coverin' the door
And there were leaves and grass growin' right up through the floor
What a beautiful thought I am thinking
Concerning the great speckled bird
And to know that my name is recorded
On the pages of God's holy word
Desiring to lower her standards
They watch every move that she makes
They long to find fault with her teaching
But really she makes no mistakes
I am glad I have learned of her meekness
I am glad that my name is on her book
For I want to be one never fearing
The face of my Saviour to look
And when He come up descending from Heaven
On a cloud like He said in His word
I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him
[Chorus:]
They wouldn't bend
They held on to the will of God so we are told
They wouldn't bow
They would not bow their knees to Idols made of gold
They wouldn't burn
They were protected by the Fourth Man in the fire
They wouldn't bend
They wouldn't bow, they wouldn't burn.
Now the prophet Daniel tells about
Three men who walked with God
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Before the wicked king they stood
And the king commanded them bound and thrown
Into the fiery furnace that day
But the fire was so hot that the men were slain
That forced them on their way.
[Chorus]
Now when the three were cast in and the king rose up
To witness this awful fate
He began to tremble at what he saw
In astonished tones he spake
Did we not cast three men bound
Into the midst of the fire
Well, Lo, I see four men unhurt
he Caretaker
I live in the cemetery ol' caretaker they call me
In the wintertime I rake the leaves and in the summer I cut the weeds
When a funeral comes the people cry and pray
They bury their dead and they all go away
But through their grief I still can see their hate and greed and jealousy
So here I work and I somehow hide from a world that rushes by outside
And each night when I rest my head I'm contented as the peaceful death
But who's gonna cry when old John dies who's gonna cry when old John dies
Once I was a young man dashing with the girls
Now no one wants an old man I lost my handsome curls
But I wanna say when my time comes lay me facing the rising sun
Put me in the corner where where I buried my pup
Tell the preacher to pray then cover me up
Don't lay flowers where my head should be maybe God let some grow for me
And all the little children that I love like my own
Will they be sorry that old John's gone
Who's gonna cry when old John dies who's gonna cry when old John dies
I live in the cemetery
'Old Caretaker' they call me
In the wintertime I rake the leaves
And in the summer I cut the weeds
When a funeral comes
The people cry and pray
They bury their dead
Then they all go away
And here I work
And I somehow hide
From a world that rushes
By outside
But each night
When I rest my head
I'm contented
As the peaceful death
But who's gonna cry
When old John dies?
Who's gonna cry
When old John dies?
Once I was a young man
Dashing with the girls
Now no one wants an old man
When I lost my handsome curls
But I wanna say
When my time comes
Lay me facin'
The rising sun
Put me in a corner
Where I buried my pup
Tell the preacher to pray
Then cover me up
Don't lay flowers
Where my head should be
Maybe God would
Let some grow for me
And all the little children
That I love like my own
Will they be sorry
That Old John's gone?
Who's gonna cry
When Old John dies?
Who's gonna cry
Well now I looked over Jordan and what did I see comin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels a comin' after me comin' for to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot comin' for to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot comin' for to carry me home
Well I'm sometimes up and I'm sometimes down comin' for to carry me home
But I know my soul is heavenly bound comin' for to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot...
Well now if you get there before I do comin' for to carry me home
Tell all of my friends that I'm a comin' too comin' for to carry me home
Swing low sweet chariot...
(Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)
Up in the mornin', out on the job
Work like the devil for my pay.
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Had a fuss with my woman, an' I toil for my kids,
An' I sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray,
While that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Oh, Lord above, don't you hear me cryin'
Tears are rollin' down my eyes.
Send in a cloud with a silver linin',
Take me to paradise.
Show me that river, Take me across,
wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun give me nothing to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Many years ago in days of childhood I used to play till evening time would come
Still winding down that old familiar pathway I hear my mother call at setting sun
Come home come home it's suppertime the shadows lengthen fast
Come home come home it's suppertime we're going home at last
Some of the fondest mem'ries of my childhood are woven around suppertime
When mother used to call from the backsteps of the old homeplace
Come on home now son it's suppertime my how I'd love to hear that once again
But you know time has woven for me a realization of truth that's even more thrilling
That someday we'll be called up to gather around the suppertable up there
For the greatest suppertime of them all with our Lord
I can almost hear the call now comin' from the portals of heaven
Come home son it's suppertime come on home
Come home come home...
Mhm mhm when you left I shed a million teardrops over you
But that's all over my crying days are through
When you left my heart was cold and every day was blue
But that's all over I've found somebody new
Someone that can make me happy make me wanna smile
Someone I'm gonna have around me for a long long while
Someday we may meet again but I won't fall for you
That's all over I've found somebody new mhm mhm
[ guitar ]
Someone that can make me happy...
I’m not a savior, and I’m not a saint.
The man with the answers I certainly ain’t.
I wouldn’t tell you what’s right or what’s wrong.
I’m just a singer of songs.
But I can take you for a walk along a little country stream.
I can make you see through lovers’ eyes and understand their dreams.
I can help you hear a baby’s laugh and feel the joy it brings.
Yes, I can do it with the songs I sing.
I’m not a prophet, and I’m not a priest.
I’m not a wise man who’s come from the East.
I wouldn’t tell you what’s right or what’s wrong.
I’m just a singer of songs.
But I can take you to a city where a man was crucified.
I can tell you how He lived, and I can tell you why He died.
I can help proclaim the glory of this mighty king of kings.
Yes, I can do it with the songs I sing.
I’m not a great man. I don’t claim to be.
But when I meet my Maker and He questions me,
I won’t hang my head. I will stand proud and strong
and say, “I was a singer. Lord, I was a singer.
You take this hammer take it to the capt hey take this hammer take it to the capt
Take this hammer take it to the capt you can tell him I'm gone tell him I'm gone
Cause I ain't gonna take no more kicks and whippings
No I ain't gonna take no kicks and whipping
I ain't gonna take no more no more this kicks and whippings
You can tell him I'm gone gone gone you can tell him I'm gone
Captain call me a hard headed devil well the captain call me a hard headed devil
Well the captain call me you hard headed devil
And that ain't my name that ain't my name
Well the Captain got a big gun bout a 99 calibre
Uuh Captain got a big gun bout a 99 calibre
Well the captain got a big gun bout a 99 calibre
He gonna shoot me down if he ever catches me gonna shoot me down
But you tell him that I went where the great goose goes
Tell him that I'm gone where the great goose goes
Tell him I'm gone tell him I'm gone just tell him I'm gone
I'm a drifter, lonesome drifter
Got no place to call my home no more
I'm a wanderer, lonesome wanderer
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' down inside
Still I need to stay alive
Who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, lonesome drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' deep inside
Still I need to stay alive
And who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, lonesome drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no one to call my own no more
On your knees you are taller than trees you can look over heartaches and pain
When my faith is gone to my knees I will go growing stronger and taller than trees
One night it was a long time ago now I knelt at my mother's knee
And she said son lift up your eyes to him in the skies
And you'll grow like the mighty oaks
But you son created in image of God can become taller than the tallest trees
And this was the answer I felt as down at her knees I knelt
On your knees you're taller than trees
You can look over all your heartaches and son you can look over all of your pains
By: Kris Kristofferson
Recorded by J.R. Cash on: 7/10/70
Number one - Country Charts; Number 46 - Pop Charts
Number 43 - Top 100 Country Hits of All-Time
Well I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head, that didn't hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad,
So I had one more for dessert.
Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt.
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.
I'd smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and the songs I'd been pickin'
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playin' with a can that he was kicking
Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone's fryin' chicken
And it took me back to somethin'
That I'd lost somewhere, somehow along the way.
Chorus:
On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I'm wishing Lord that I was stoned
'Cause there's something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothin' short of dyin'
That's half as lonesome as the sound
Of a sleepin' city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin' comin' down.
In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin' little girl who he was swingin'
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singin'
Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin'
And it echoed thru the canyon
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
Repeat Chorus
To love you so and still not have you will destroy me in time
So I'm goin' away where nobody knows me and get you off of my mind
I've packed my things a dozen times but unpack is all I do
Yes I'm still in town still around and still in love with you
I made it to the edge of town and turned around
I made it to the bridge downtown byt my nerve let me down
I tried to go but how can I leave when all roads lead to you
Yes I'm still in town still around and still in love with you
[ piano - steel ]
Ride this train up and down and across a strange wonderful land
It's almost like a fairyland when you to think about it
You go through places with names like Tuscaloosa Kokomo Muskogee Oshkosh Saginaw
Eureka Bandera Battle Creek Sioux City Chattanooga
Hattiesburg Lynchburg and Baltinare Arkansas
You see I'm a million different people from all over the world
And I've been coming to this country for hundreds of years
This was the Promised Land for me
But let's not forget that when I came here
There were already millions of people living in teepees along the rivers
And hunting deer and buffalo for food and shelter
And it's with a little regret that I think of how I pushed them back
And crowded them out to claim this land for myself or for another country
But the Indians' hearts must have been full of music
For they left names with me that seem to sing
Names like Mohawk Mandan Kickapoo Cree Yacoma Seminole Crow Shawnee
Choctaw Delaware Fox Paiute Winnebago Cheyenne Blackfoot
Navajo Ute Comanche Quapaw Creek Apache Sioux Chippewa
Ardua Hupa Shoshone Mow Hicano Sage Menomini
Shinouk Arapaho Nez Perce Iroquois Pony Cutenai
Flathead Chickasaw Pueblo Yuma Pima Pomo Caddo
Well a lot of them are still with me and I'm glad
It's for sure their names will always be with me
But let's look a little at the heart and muscle of this land
Few things you don't read in books things that aren't taught in school
Now you take this little town we're goin' through here this is Beach Creek Kentucky
And right down there in the valley that's where our house used to be
It was a little shotgun shack with a spring out back
And a smokehouse and another little bitty house and that's about all
My pa was a coalminer like most everybody in Mulengerg County
Worked in the mines all his life
I guess he didn't have much ambition to do anything else
Cause they say coalmining kinda gets in your blood
Matter of fact pa said if they ever drained the blood out of him
It would be blacker than black strap moulesen
When I was a kid I used to sit at the fireplace there with mom
And wait on pa to get in from the mine
And we'd sure get anxious if he was ever late
Ma would rock back and forth and watch the clock listin' for pa to hit the front porch
Then he'd come in nothin' clean but the whites of his eyes
And he'd reach for that lie-soap and starts scrubbin'
And I'd stand back and watch him and say to myself
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling calling for you and for me
See on the portal he's waiting and watching watching for you and for me
Come home come home ya who are weary come home
Earnestly tenderly Jesus is calling calling oh sinner come home
[ horns ]
Oh for the wonderful love he has promised promised for you and for me
Though we have sinn'd he has mercy and pardon pardon for you and for me
Softly and Tenderly
Lyrics for Album: My Mother's Hymn Book
(Rebecca Lynn Howard)
Softly and tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See,on the portals he's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Come home,come home
Ye who are weary,come home
Earnestly,tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling,O sinner,come home
O for the wonderful love he has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned,he has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me
Come home,come home
Ye who are weary,come home
Earnestly,tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling,O sinner,come home
Calling,O sinner,come home
Softly and Tenderly
Lyrics for Album: My Mother's Hymn Book
(Rebecca Lynn Howard)
Softly and tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See,on the portals he's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Come home,come home
Ye who are weary,come home
Earnestly,tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling,O sinner,come home
O for the wonderful love he has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned,he has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me
Come home,come home
Ye who are weary,come home
Earnestly,tenderly,Jesus is calling
Calling,O sinner,come home
Calling,O sinner,come home
I do my best to hide this lowdown feelin'
I try to make believe there's nothing wrong
But they're always asking me about you darling
And it hurts me so to tell 'em that you're gone
If they ask me I guess I'd be denyin'
that I've been unhappy all alone
But if they heard my heart they'd hear it cryin'
Where's my darling, when's she coming home
I ask myself a million times what's right for me to do
To try to lose my blues alone or hang around for you
But I make it pretty good until that moon comes shining through
And that I get so doggone lonesome
Time stands still when you're a waitin'
sometimes I think my heart is stoppin' too
One lonely hour seems forever
sixty minutes more to wait for you
But I guess I'll keep waitin' till you're with me cause I believe that loving you is right
But I don't care if the sun don't rise tomorrow if I can't have you with me tonight
Well I know I'll keep on loving you
cause true love can't be killed
I ought to get you off of my mind
but I guess I never will
I could have a dozen others
but I know I'd love you still
The years have been many the years have been long
But at last I'm returning to daddy and home
He's looking my way though he hardly can see
God bless my old daddy he recognize me
There's snow in his hair and I helped to put it there a halo of worry and care
As my daddy grows old he's more precious than gold
For I cherish the snow in his hair
[ guitar ]
His shoulders were bent with the weight of the years
I scarcely could hold back the flood tide of tears
He walked with a cane as he hurried along coming to meet me to welcome me home
I ride an old paint he's on the worry side
And I'm a saddle tramp about to cross the great divide
Where there's grass in the coolies and water in the drawl
And the forty pound saddle won't make us both raw
Slow rider, slow rider move on a little more
The sky boss is waitin' at the big ranch house door
I can't help but missin' the daughters that I had
One went to Denver the other went bad
My young wife died in a poolroom fight
But I try to keep singin' from morning till night
Slow rider, slow rider move on a little more
The sky boss is waitin' at the big ranch house door
Whenever I die take my saddle from the wall
Strap it on snuffy lead him out of the stall
Throw me on his back and turn him toward the west
He knows how to take me to the spot I love best
Slow rider, slow rider move on a little more
(Silent night holy night)
Silent night holy night all is calm all is bright
Round young virgin mother and child holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night holy night all is dark save the light
See the eastern wise men bring gifts and homage to our King
Christ the Saviour is born Jesus the Saviour is born
Silent night (holy night) all is calm all is bright
Poorest dreams from heaven afar heavenly host sing hallelujah
(Christ the Savious is born Jesus the Saviour is born)
Silent night holy night wonderous dark lend Thy light
With the angels let us sing hallelujah hail the King
You're the shepherd of my heart so treat it tenderly
It's a heart that needs your everloving care
You're the shepherd of my heart until eternity lead it not into the valley of despair
While it's in your keeping guard it with your love
Shelter it from harm along life's way
You're the shepherd of my heart and darling honestly
It's a heart that will not ever go astray
You're the shepherd of my heart so surely you must know
You have but to speak and my heart will obey
It's at your command my dear because it loves you so
So my darling shepherd guide it where you may
If it be green pastures or a rocky road it will follow you and not ask why
You're the shepherd of my heart until the trumpet blows
San Quentin, you've been livin' hell to me
You [Incomprehesible] me since nineteen sixty-three
I've seen 'em come and go and I've seen 'em die
And long ago, I stopped askin' why
San Quentin, I hate every inch of you
You cut me and you scarred me through an' through
And I'll walk out a wiser weaker man
Mister Congressman, you can't understand
San Quentin, what good do you think you do?
Do you think I'll be different when you're through?
You bent my heart and mind and you may my soul
Your stone walls turn my blood a little cold
San Quentin, may you rot and burn in hell
May your walls fall and may I live to tell
May all the world forget you ever stood
And may all the world regret you did no good
The lights In the harbor
Don't shine for me
I'm like a lost ship adrift on the sea
Sea of heartbreak
Lost love and loneliness
Memories of your caress
So divine I wish you were mine
Again my dear
I am on this sea of tears
Sea of heartbreak
How did I lose you
Oh where did I fail
Why did you leave me
Always to sail
Oh what I'd give to sail back to shore
Back to your arms once more
Come to my rescue
Come here to me
Take me and keep me
After seven years behind these bars together
I'll miss you more than a brother when you go when you go
If only I had not tried to escape
They'd barred me with you I know yes I know
Won't you tell the folks back home I'll soon be coming
And don't let them know I never will be free be free
Sometimes write and tell me how they're doing
And send a picture of mother back to me
Say hello to Dad and shake his poor hardworking hand
And send a picture of mother if you can
I'm happy for you that you got your freedom
But stay with me just another minute or so or so
After all this sweating blood together
Who'll be my fighting partner when you go when you go
The hardest time will be on Sunday morning
Church bells will ring on Heaven Hill Heaven Hill
Please ask Reverend Garrett to pray for me
And send a picture of mother if you will
Say hello to Dad and shake his poor hardworking hand
The seasons come the seasons go we get a little sunshine rain and snow
Just the way that it was planned to be
But there's no seasons in my heart while you play the leading part
Cause the flowers will bloom eternaly
Your leaving will bring autumn sorrow and my tears like withered leaves will fall
But spring could bring some glad tomorrow and darling we could be happy after all
[ piano ]
As it is in nature's plan no season get the upper hand
How I try to keep this fact in mind
The trees are bare the cold wind blows and by experience we should know
Winter comes but the spring is close behind
You wired me awake
And hit me with a hand of broken nails
You tied my lead and pulled my chain
To watch my blood begin to boil
But I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run
Too cold to start a fire
I'm burning diesel, burning dinosaur bones
I'll take the river down to still water
And ride a pack of dogs
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run
Hits like a Phillips head Into my brain
It's gonna be too dark
To sleep again Cutting my teeth on bars
And rusty chains,
I'm gonna break my Rusty cage and run
When the forest burns
Along the road Like God's eyes In my headlights
When the dogs are looking
For their bones
And it's raining icepicks
On your steel shore
I'm gonna break
I'm gonna break my
Rowboat Row me to the shore
She don't wanna be my friend no more
She dug a hole in the bottom of my soul
She don't wanna be my friend no more
Pick me up Gimme some food to eat In you . . .
Goin' no place
I'll be home
Talkin' to nobody
You'll be strange
You'll be far away
Big fat moon
And my body's out of tune
With the burnin' waves
Born to be a roughneck I'll never amount to nothin'
Pullin' case and layin' pipe is hard labor
Well I was born in a boomer shack bout a half mile from town
Papa was a driller on a wildcat crew and my mama never was around
I learn to cuss when I was two and fight when I was three
And by the time I was five there was no kid alive could ever get the best of me
Born to be a roughneck...
[ banjo ]
Well I started workin' like a regular man when I was just about knee high
Skinning the knuckles with my two bare hands but they never heard me cry
I remember walkin' down the road and hearin' somebody say
He was born to live a rougneck's life and he's never gonna change his ways
Born to be a roughneck...
Rock of ages cleft for me let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood from Thy wounded side which fload
Thee of sin the double cure save from raft and make me pure
[ strings ]
Let me hime myself in Thee
[ strings ]
In my hand no prize I bring simply to Thy cross I cling
[ strings ]
While I draw this pleading breath when my eyes shall close in death
Lord when I rise to world unknown and behold the on Thy throne
Rock of ages cleft for me let me hime myself in Thee
A burnin' hot sun a cryin' for water black wings circle the sky
Stumblin' and fallin' somebody's callin' you're lost on the desert to die
I had to give up and they took me to jail but I hid all the money I got
Way out on the desert where no one could get it and I left a mark at the spot
Then I got away and I ran for the desert the devil had taken control
I needed water but he said I'd make it near the money is a big waterhole
A burnin' hot sun...
[ ac.guitar ]
Just up ahead is where I left my mark or it may be to the left or the right
I've been runnin' all day and they'll catch up tomorrow I've got to find it tonight
Then up jumped the devil and ran away laughin' he drank all the waterholes dry
He moved my mark till I'm running in circles and lost on the desert to die
A burnin' hot sun...
Now this here's the story about the Rock Island Line
The Rock Island Line she runs down into New Orleasn
And just outside of New Orleans is a big toll gate
And all the trains that go through the toll gate
They gotta pay the man some money
But of course, if you got certain things on board
You're okay and you don't have to pay the man nothin
And just now we see a change comin down the line
When you come up to the toll gate
The driver, he shout down to the man
I got pigs, I got horses, I got cows
I got sheep, I got all livestock, I got all livestock
I got all livestock
The man say, you alright boy just
Get on through, you don't have to pay me nothin
And then the train go through
And when he go through the tollgate
The train gotta have a little bit of steam
And a little bit of speed
And when the driver think he safely on the other side
He shouts back down the line to the man
I fooled you, I fooled you
I got pig iron, I got pig iron
I got all pig iron,
CHORUS:
Down the rock island line is a might good road
Oh the rock island line is the road to ride
The rock island line is a mighty good road
Well if you want to ride you gotta ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station of the rock island line
it was cloudy in the west, looked like rain,
but round the corner come-a passenger train.
North-bound train on the south bound track,
you were all right a-leavin but you won't be back
Chorus
now I may be right and I may be wrong
but you're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Now the engineer said before he died,
there were two more drinks he'd like to have tried,
the doctor asked him "what could they be"
he said "a hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea"
chorus
Love is a burning thing
And it makes a fiery ring
Bound by wild desire
I fell into a ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours meet
I fell for you like a child
Oh, but the fire went wild
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
I fell into a burning ring of fire
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
The ring of fire
Ride this train to Dyess Arkansas see this cottonland
Some of us are so poor now you'd have to sell 'em a sack of fertilizer
To raise an umbrella
They grade the cotton according to the length and strength of the fibre
And they been raisin' a lot of fair to middlin' grade here which ain't good
But there was a time
Yeah there was a time when the cotton grew tall
Not far from here I had the finest plantation you ever saw
About 600 acres of the finest cottonland in the country
Now I believe this was about 1855 and I had a bumper crop that year
I had the best bunch of slaves you ever saw and I treated 'em right
Well a lot of em even stayed with me after the war
But gettin' back to what I was gonna tell you
See I have a rule that all the slaves got to be back in out of the fields
And accounted for by sundown every day
And one day when they came in there was one short
Well I found out right away that it was old uncle Moses that was missin'
And figured that somethin' might have happened to him old as he was
So I went out into the cottonfield to look for him
Well uncle Moses was way down at the end of the road sittin' on his cottonsack
Well I walked up and said Uncle Moses don't you know the rule
That you're supposed to be punished if you're not back in and accounted for by dark
And he said Boss Jack I know that sir
But I was pickin' along on my road
And all of a sudden somethin' seemed to come over me
And the finest words started comin' through my head and the finest music
So I rememorized them words and that music till I had it all in my head
Now that I got the song all through I guess Boss Jack
I was ready to take my punishment
Well I didn't hardly know what to say
But I asked Uncle Moses to sing that song for me
And he stood up there and for the first time he sang Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Well after that I kinda laid old Uncle Moses off and let him peddle around the house
And every night at dark you could hear him sing
I overlooked a lot of things, I knew, I should have done
I did things that I'm sorry for I lived to have my fun
But now the world that once was bright is empty and bare
And if you wouldn't be ashamed of me, I'd still be there
I'd be with you where I belong
And nothing they could do or say, could make me think it's wrong
If all the love that made you mine could make you still care
I'd be by your side, I'd still be there
I'd give the world if I could only have you close to me
I'd pray the Lord to keep you safe wherever you may be
Don't let anybody share the things we used to share
If I only knew you loved me too, I'd still be there
I'd be with you where I belong
And nothing they could do or say, could make me think it's wrong
If all the love that made you mine could make you still care
I'd be by your side, I'd still be there
Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
Someone was killed, 'neath the town hall light
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me
The judge said son, what is your alibi
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die
I spoke not a word, thou it meant my life
For I'd been in the arms of my best friend's wife
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Oh, the scaffold is high and eternity's near
She stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
But late at night, when the north wind blows
In a long black veil, she cries ov're my bones
She walks these hills in a long black veil
She visits my grave when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows but me
Ride this train to Bogaloosa Louisiana see these swamps and forest
Man's never set foot in a lot of it
You'll find aligator mink coon possum squirrel otter and the lakes're full of fish
You'll find places so virgin and fresh
That you'd think the Lord just created it yesterday
As a matter of fact some people say when this world was made
A whole lot of it just must have looked like southern Louisiana does now
In 1788 I left Halifax Nova Scotia with about two hundred other Acadians
We made a long tiring journey south
In our party of two hundred there was this beautiful girl
That I just haven't quite been able to forget
Dorraine was her name and Dorraine and I were
Well we were kinda pledged to each other
And then we said when we got to the promised land
We'd build us a house and someday we'd have
The biggest sugar-cane plantation in the country
And I used to make Dorraine blush
Ride this train to Roseburg Oregon now there's a town for you
And you talk about rough
You know a lot of places in the country claim Paul Bunyon lived there
But you should have seen Roseburg when me and my daddy'd come there
Everyone of them loggers looked like Paul Bunyon to me
As I was a skinny kid about sixteen
And I was scared to death when we walked into that camp
None of the lumberjacks paid any attention to me at first
But when my pa told the boss that me and him wanted a job
A lot of 'em stopped their work to see what was gonna happen
That big boss walked around me looked me up and down and said
Mister I believe that boy is made out of second growth timber and I guess I was Everybody but me and pa had a big laugh over it
Pa got kinda mad and the boss finally said he might start me out as a high climber
I didn't know what a high climber was boy I sure learned fast
That steel corded rope cut my back and that axe
I thought it was gonna break my arms off but I stuck with it
It wasn't long till I learned that a man's got to be
A lot tougher than the timber he's cuttin'
When you're all alone and blue
No one to tell your troubles to
Remember me, I'm the one who loves you
When this world has turned you down
And not a true friend can be found
Remember me, I'm the one who loves you
And through all kinds of weather
You'll find I'll never change
Through the sunshine and the shadows
I'll always be the same
We're together right or wrong
Where you go I'll tag along
Remember me, I'm the one who loves you
(And through all kinds of weather
You'll find I'll never change)
Through the sunshine and the shadows
I'll always be the same
We're together right or wrong
Where you go I'll tag along
Remember me, I'm the one who loves you
From the hands it came down
From the side it came down
From the feet it came down
And ran to the ground
Between heaven and hell
A teardrop fell In the deep crimson dew
The tree of life grew
And the blood gave life
To the branches of the tree
And the blood was the price
That set the captives free
And the numbers that came
Through the fire and the flood Clung to the tree
And were redeemed by the blood
From the tree streamed a light
That started the fight 'Round the tree grew a vine
On whose fruit I could dine
My old friend Lucifer came
Fought to keep me in chains
But I saw through the tricks
Of six-sixty-six
And the blood gave life
To the branches of the tree
And the blood was the price
That set the captives free
And the numbers that came
Through the fire and the flood Clung to the tree
And were redeemed by the blood
From his hands it came down
From his side it came down
From his feet it came down
And ran to the ground
And a small inner voice Said "You do have a choice."
The vine engrafted me
I long for the trip I don't need no grip I'm takin' one more ride
Way out there in the prairie air I guess it's in my hide
Oh the clickety clack of the railroad track is callin'
If a man can know where the Santa Fe goes when she gets under steam
And the big loud bell that bongs farewell could hear her whistle scream
She's bound to go where there ain't no snow a fallin' one more ride one more ride
I miss the gloom of the prairie moon that seemed to know my name
And the tumbleweed where the prairie don't feed I miss them just the same
They're all a part of a song of heart I'm sayin'
I recall the tune that I sang to the moon and it seemed to make it smile
And I rode away at the close of the day and I stayed so long awhile
But I long to be where the memory is ringing one more ride one more ride
As the years go by I wonder why I longed to leave my home
And to hit the trail of the iron rail away out there alone
But my heart would sigh till I know that I am leavin'
If I don't come back on a oneway track way down in Mexico
You can find me there or any old where that a tumbleweed will grow
Aurora borealis
The icy sky at night
Paddles cut the water
In a long and hurried flight
From the white man
to the fields of green
And the homeland
we've never seen.
They killed us in our tepee
And they cut our women down
They might have left some babies
Cryin' on the ground
But the firesticks
and the wagons come
And the night falls
on the setting sun.
They massacred the buffalo
Kitty corner from the bank
The taxis run across my feet
And my eyes have turned to blanks
In my little box
at the top of the stairs
With my Indian rug
and a pipe to share.
I wish a was a trapper
I would give thousand pelts
To sleep with Pocahontas
And find out how she felt
In the mornin'
on the fields of green
In the homeland
we've never seen.
And maybe Marlon Brando
Will be there by the fire
We'll sit and talk about Hollywood
And the good things there for hire
Like the Astrodome
and the first tepee
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
Pocahontas.
Well I'm tired and so weary but I must go along
Till the Lord comes and calls calls me away oh yes
Well the morning's so bright and the lamb is the light
And the night night is as black as the sea oh yes
(There will be peace in the valley for me some day)
There will be peace in the valley for me dear Lord I pray
(There'll be no sadness no sorrow no trouble I see)
There will be peace in the valley for me (for me)
[ autoharp ]
Well the bear will be gentle and the wolf will be tame
And the lion shall lay down with the lamb oh yes
And the beast from the wild will be lead by a child
And I'll be changed changed from this creature that I am oh yes
(There will be peace in the valley...
We are sorry but we are not allowed to post Orange Blossom Special lyrics by Johnny Cash either for privacy issues or copyright protection!
Well, I left Kentucky back in '49
An' went to Detroit workin' on a 'sembly line
The first year they had me puttin' wheels on cadillacs
Every day I'd watch them beauties roll by
And sometimes I'd hang my head and cry
'Cause I always wanted me one that was long and black.
One day I devised myself a plan
That should be the envy of most any man
I'd sneak it out of there in a lunchbox in my hand
Now gettin' caught meant gettin' fired
But I figured I'd have it all by the time I retired
I'd have me a car worth at least a hundred grand.
I'd get it one piece at a time
And it wouldn't cost me a dime
You'll know it's me when I come through your town
I'm gonna ride around in style
I'm gonna drive everybody wild
'Cause I'll have the only one there is a round.
So the very next day when I punched in
With my big lunchbox and with help from my friends
I left that day with a lunch box full of gears
Now, I never considered myself a thief
GM wouldn't miss just one little piece
Especially if I strung it out over several years.
The first day I got me a fuel pump
And the next day I got me an engine and a trunk
Then I got me a transmission and all of the chrome
The little things I could get in my big lunchbox
Like nuts, an' bolts, and all four shocks
But the big stuff we snuck out in my buddy's mobile home.
Now, up to now my plan went all right
'Til we tried to put it all together one night
And that's when we noticed that something was definitely wrong.
The transmission was a '53
And the motor turned out to be a '73
And when we tried to put in the bolts all the holes were gone.
So we drilled it out so that it would fit
And with a little bit of help with an A-daptor kit
We had that engine runnin' just like a song
Now the headlight' was another sight
We had two on the left and one on the right
But when we pulled out the switch all three of 'em come on.
The back end looked kinda funny too
But we put it together and when we got thru
Well, that's when we noticed that we only had one tail-fin
About that time my wife walked out
And I could see in her eyes that she had her doubts
But she opened the door and said "Honey, take me for a spin."
So we drove up town just to get the tags
And I headed her right on down main drag
I could hear everybody laughin' for blocks around
But up there at the court house they didn't laugh
'Cause to type it up it took the whole staff
And when they got through the title weighed sixty pounds.
I got it one piece at a time
And it didn't cost me a dime
You'll know it's me when I come through your town
I'm gonna ride around in style
I'm gonna drive everybody wild
'Cause I'll have the only one there is around.
Ugh! Yow, RED RYDER
This is the COTTON MOUTH
In the PSYCHO-BILLY CADILLAC Come on
Huh, This is the COTTON MOUTH
And negatory on the cost of this mow-chine there RED RYDER
You might say I went right up to the factory
And picked it up, it's cheaper that way
There are some people,who say we cannot tell,
Whether we are saved or, whether all is well;
They say we only can hope and, trust that it is so,
But I was there when it happened and I guess I ought to know.
Yes,I know when Jesus saved me (saved my soul),
The very moment He forgave me (made me whole);
He took away my heavy burdens, Lord he gave me peace within(peace within)
Satan can't make me doubt it (i won't doubt it),
It's real and I'm gonna shout it (I'm gonna shout it);
I was there when it happened and I guess I ought to know
Now, I don't care who tells me, salvation is not real,
Though the world may argue, that we cannot feel;
The heavy burdens lifted and the vile sins gone,
There was a time on Earth when in the books of Heaven
That an Old Account was standin' for sins yet unforgiven
My name was at the top there was many things below
But I went unto the keeper and I settled it long ago
Long ago,yes long ago I said the Old Account was settled long ago
And my record's clear today 'cause he washed my sins away
And the Old Account was settled long ago
Well the Old Account was large and growin' everyday
I was always sinnin' and I never tried to pray
But when I looked ahead and saw such pain and woe
Well I thoguht I'd better get it settled, so I settled it long ago
Long ago, long ago Yes the Old Account was settled long ago
And my record's clear today 'cause he washed my sins away
And The Old Account was settled long ago
Now sinner seek the Lord, and repent of all your sins
'Cause this He commanded if you should enter in
And then if you should live a hundred years below
Well you know you got it settled 'cause you settled it long ago
Long ago, long ago Yes the Old Account was settled long ago
And my record's clear today 'cause he washed my sins away
And The Old Account was settled long ago
He was just an old country doctor
In a little country town
Fame and fortune had passed him by
Though we never saw him frown
As day by day in his kindly way
He'd serve us one and all
Many a patient forgot to pay
Although Doc's fees were small
Though he needed his dimes and there were
Times that he'd receive a fee
He'd pass it onto some poor soul
That needed it worse than he
He had to sell his furniture
Couldn't pay his office rent
So to a dusty room over a livery stable
Doc Brown and his satchel went
And on the hitchin' post at the kerb below
To advertise his wares
He nailed a little sign that read
"Doc Brown has moved upstairs"
And one day he didn't answer
When they knocked upon his door
Old Doc Brown was layin' down
But his soul was no more
They found him there in that old black suit
On his face was a smile of content
But all the money they could find on him
Was a quarter and a copper cent
So they opened up his ledger
And what they saw gave their hearts a pull
Beside each debtor's name old Doc
Had write these words, "Paid in full"
Old Doc should had
A funeral fine enough for a king
It's a ghastly joke our town was broke
And no one could give a thing
'Cept Jones an undertaker
He did mighty well
Donated an old iron casket
He had never been able to sell
And the funeral procession
It wasn't much for grace and pomp and the style
But those wagon loads of mourners
They stretched out for more than a mile
We wanted to give him a monument
We kinda figured we owed him one
'Cause he made our town a better place
For all the good he'd done
We pulled up that old hitchin' post
Where Doc had nailed a sign
We'd painted it white and to all of us
It certainly did look fine
Now the rains and the snows
Have washed away our white trimmin's of paint
There ain't nothin' left but Doc's own sign
And that's gettin' pretty faint
But you can still see that old hitchin' post
As if in answer to our prayers
Mutually tellin' the whole wide world
Old Apache Squaw, how many long lean years you saw?
How many bitter winter nights shiverin' in a cold teepee?
Shiverin' in a cold teepee
Old Apache Squaw, how many hungry kids you saw?
How many bloody warriors runnin' to the sea, fleein' to the sea?
Well, now they tell me that you saw Cochise
When he made his last stand
He said, "The next white man that sees my face
Is gonna be a dead white man"
Old Apache Squaw, how many broken hearts you saw?
Have you had misty eyes for years?
Could that mist be tears? Could that mist be tears?
Well, now they tell me that you saw Cochise
When he made his last stand
He said, "The next white man that sees my face
Is gonna be a dead white man"
Old Apache Squaw, how many broken hearts you saw?
You've had misty eyes for years
Could that mist be tears? Could that mist be tears?
Ten years ago on a cold dark night
Someone was killed 'neath the town hall lights
There were few at the scene, but they all agreed
That the slayer who ran, looked a lot like me
Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil
She visits my grave, when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows, but me
The scaffold is high, and eternity's near
She stood in the crowd, and shed not a tear
But some times at night, when the cold wind moans
In a long black veil, she cries over my bones
Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil
She visits my grave, when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows, but me
The judge said son, what is your alibi
If you were somewhere else, then you won't have to die
I spoke not a word, though it meant my life
I'd been in the arms of my best friends wife
Now she walks these hills, in a long black veil
She visits my grave, when the night winds wail
Nobody knows, nobody sees
Nobody knows, but me
Nobody knows, nobody sees
I may say that I don't care hold up head up in the air
Even tell my friends I'm glad that you don't call
But when the day is through my heartaches start anew
And that's when I miss you most of all
And my arms keep reaching for you my eyes keep searching for you
My lips keep calling for you and my shoes keep walking back to you
[ fiddle ]
No matter how much I pretend I wish I had you back again
Cause nothing else means half as much as you
My world just seemed to die the day you said good-by
And I can't forget no matter what I do
And my arms keep reaching for you,
My eyes keep searching for you,
My lips keep calling for you
My grandfather's clock was too large for the shelf
So it stood ninety years on the floor
It was taller by half than the old man himself
Though it weighed not a pennyweight more
It was bought on the morn of the day that he was born
And was always his treasure and pride
But it stopped, short never to go again
When the old man died
Ninety years without slumbering
His life seconds numbering
It stopped, short never to go again
When the old man died
My grandfather said that of those he could hire
Not a servant so faithful he found
For it wasted no time and had but one desire
At the close of each week to be wound
And it kept in its place, not a frown upon its face
And its hands never hung by its side
But it stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died
It rang and alarmed in the dead of the night
An alarm that for years had been dumb
And we knew that his spirit was pluming for flight
That his hour for departure had come
Still the clock kept the time with a soft and muffled chime
As we silently stood by his side
But it stopped short, never to go again
When the old man died
Ninety years without slumbering
His life seconds numbering
It stopped short, never to go again
I'd rather die young than grow old without you
So don't ever leave me whatever you do
To see someone's picture where my picture hung
Believe me my darling I'd rather die young
I'd rather die young than grow old without you
So don't ever leave me whatever you do
Though others may tempt you and tell you they care
You'll find only sorrow in a secret affair
Don't leave me never leave me please don't leave me never leave me
I'd rather die young..
[ guitar ]
It all began when they took me from my home
And put me on Death Row,
A crime for which I am totally innocent, you know.
I began to warm and chill
To objects and their fields,
A ragged cup, a twisted mop
The face of Jesus in my soup
Those sinister dinner deals
The meal trolley's wicked wheels
A hooked bone rising from my food
And all things either good or ungood.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this weighing of the truth.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die.
I hear stories from the chamber
Christ was born into a manger
And like some ragged stranger
He died upon the cross
Might I say it seems so fitting in its way
He was a carpenter by trade
Or at least that's what I'm told
My kill hand's tatooed E.V.I.L.
Across it's brother's fist
That filthy five!
They did nothing to challenge or resist.
In Heaven His throne is made of gold
The ark of his Testament is stowed
A throne from which I'm told
All history does unfold.
It's made of wood and wire
And my body is on fire
And God is never far away.
Into the mercy seat I climb
My head is shaved, my head is wired
And like a moth that tries
To enter the bright eye
I go shuffling out of life
Just to hide in death awhile
And anyway I never lied.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this weighing of the truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die.
And the mercy seat is burning
And I think my head is glowing
And in a way I'm hoping
To be done with all this twisting of the truth.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
And anyway there was no proof
And I'm not afraid to die.
And the mercy seat is glowing
And I think my head is smoking
And in a way I'm hoping
To be done with all these looks of disbelief.
A life for a life and a truth for a truth
And I've got nothing left to lose
And I'm not afraid to die.
And the mercy seat is smoking
And I think my head is melting
And in a way that's helping
To be done with all this twisting of the truth.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
But I'm afraid I told a lie.
My pappy said when I was seventeen you're six feet tall and your face is clean
And it don't look right for a boy that old to not make a livin' loadin' coal
Loadin' coal loadin' coal I'm a double first cousin to a dad blamed mole
Never get rich for to save my soul and forty 'leven years a loadin' coal loadin' coal
Ain't never got acquainted with a dollar bill and I don't ever reckon that I ever will
A dollar ain't made for a fellar I'm told that scoops up a livin' loadin' coal
Loadin' coal loadin' coal...
[ ac.guitar ]
I cussed everything in the mining camp from a shovel and my pick to my carbide lamp
But I know mighty well till I grow old I'll still be a cussin' but loadin' coal
Loadin' coal loadin' coal...
[ ac,guitar ]
I know just as well as coal is black one of these days the mines were strike
And I'll sit around starvin' till I'm finally told
There's a nickel more a ton for loadin' coal
With the twilight colors falling
And the evening laying shadows
Hidden memories come stealing from my mind
As I feel my own heart beating out
The simple joy of living I wonder how I ever was that kind
But the wild road I was rambling
Was always out there calling
And they said a hundred times I should have died
But now my present miracle Is that you're here beside me
So, I believe they were roads that I was meant to ride
Like a soldier getting over the war
Like a young man getting over his crazy days
Like a bandit getting over his lawless ways
Every day is better than before
I'm like a soldier getting over the war
There were nights I don't remember
And there's pain that I've forgotten
Other things I choose not to recall
There are faces that come to me
In my darkest secret memory
Faces that I wish would not come back at all
In my dreams parade of lovers
From the other times and places
There's not one that matters now, no matter who
I'm just thankful for the journey
And that I've survived the battles
And that my spoils of victory are you
Come they told me our newborn King to see
Our finest gifts we bring to lay before the King
This is to honor him when we come
Baby Jesus I am a poor boy too I have no gift to bring that's fit to give a King
But may I play for you on my drum
The mother Mary nodded the ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for him I played my best for him
John Henry's pappy woke him up one midnight
He said, "'Fore the sheriff comes I wanna tell you - listen boy!
Said, Learn to ball a jack, learn to lay a track, learn to pick and shovel too,
And take my hammer! It'll do anything you tell it to.
John Henry's mammy had about a dozen babies,
John Henry's pappy broke jail about a dozen times
The babies all got sick and when the doctor wanted money,
He said, I'll pay you quarter at a time startin' tomorrow
That's the pay for a steel driver on this line.
Then the section foreman said, Hey - hammer swinger!
I see you brought you own hammer boy, but what else can all those muscles do
And he said, I can turn a jack, I can lay a track, I can pick and shovel too
(Can you swing a hammer boy?)
Yes, Sir, I?ll do anything you hire me to.
Now ain't you something! So high and mighty wif' your muscles!
Just go ahead, boy, and pick up that hammer! Pick up the hammer!
He said, Get a rusty spike and swing it down three times.
I'll pay you a nickel a day for every inch you sink it to.
Go on and do what you say you can do.
With a steep nose hammer on a four foot switch handle,
John Henry raised it back 'til it touched his heels. Then
The spike went through the cross tie, and it split it half in two.
Thirty-five cents a day for drivin' steel.
(Sweat! Sweat boy, sweat! You owe me two more swings!)
I was born for driven steel.
Well John Henry hammered in the mountain.
He'd give a grunt and he'd give a groan with every swing.
The women folks for miles around heard him and come down,
To watch him make the cold steel ring. Lord what a swinger!
Just listen to that cold steel ring!
But the bad boss come up laughin' at John Henry.
Said, You full of vinegar now, but you about through!
We gonna get a steam drill to do your share of drivin?,
Then what's all them muscles gonna do? Huh, John Henry?
Gonna take a little bit of vinegar out of you.
John Henry said, I feed four little brothers,
And baby sister's walking on her knees.
Did the lord say that machines aughtta take the place of living?
And what's a substitute for bread and beans? (I saint seen it)
Do engines get rewarded for their steam
John Henry hid in a coal mine for his dinner nap.
Had thirty minutes to rest before the bell.
The mine boss hollered, Get up, whoever you are, and get a pick axe!
Give me enough coal to start another Hell. (And keep it burnin!)
Mine me enough to start another Hell!
John Henry said to his captain, A man ain't nothin' but a man.
But if you'll bring that steam drill round, I'll beat it fair and honest.
I'll die with my hammer in my hand but I'll be laughing
'Cuz you can't replace a steel driven man.
There was a big crowd of people at the mountain,
John Henry said to the steam drill, How is you?
Pardon me mister steam drill, I suppose you didn't hear me. I said how're you
Well can you turn a jack, can you lay a track, can you pick and shovel too?
Listen - this hammer swinger's talkin' to you!
2000 people hollered, Go, John Henry!
Then somebody hollered, The mountain's caving in!
John Henry told the captain, Tell the kind folks don't worry.
That ain't nothin' but my hammer suckin' wind! (It keeps me breathing.)
A steel driver's muscle I intend.
Captain, tell the people, move back further!
I'm at the finish line and there ain't no drill.
It's so far behind, but yet ain't got the brains to quit it!
When she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills! (Lord Lordy!)
When she blows up she'll scatter cross the hills!
Well John Henry had a little woman,
I believe the lady's name was Polly Ann. (Yeah that was his good woman.)
John Henry threw his hammer over his shoulder and went on home.
He laid down to rest his weary back, and early next mornin', he said,
Come here Polly Ann Come here Sugar
Ya know, I believe this is the first time I ever watched the sun come up
That I couldn't come up.
Take my hammer, Polly Ann, and go to that railroad.
Swing that hammer like you seen me do it.
And when you're swinging with the lead man,
They'll all know they'll all know you're John Henry's woman
But, but tell them ain't all you can do.
Tell 'em I can hoist a jack, and I can lay a track,
I can pick and shovel too! (Ain't no machine can!)
That's been proved to you!
There was a big crowd of mourners at the church house.
The section hands laid him in the sand.
Trains go by on the rails John Henry laid.
They slow down and take off their hats, the men do.
When they come to the place John Henry's layin', restin' his back,
Some of 'em say, 'Mornin', steel driver! You shor' was a hammer swinger!
Then they go on by, pickin' up a little speed. (Clickity clack, clickity clack, clickity clack, clickity clack)
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man, oh lord!
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man.
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man, oh lord!
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man.
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man, oh lord!
Yonder lies a steel drivin' man.
[words by Philip Bliss]
Brightly beams our father's mercy from his lighthouse evermore
But to us he gives the keeping of the lights along the shore
(Let the lower lights be burning send a beam across the wave
Some poor fainting struggling seaman) you may rescue you may save
Dark the night of sin has settled loud the angry billows roar
Eager eyes are watching longing for the lights along the shore
Let me down easy if you must go why not deceive me it won't hurt me so
Truth is so painful tell me a lie let me down easy and I'll get by
Let me down easy for old time's sake
Is it too much to ask when my heart's gonna break
I'm bound to lose you I'm bound to cry oh let me down easy and I'll get by
[ guitar ]
Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
When life's toils are ended and parting days have come
Sin no more will tempt me there from Thee I'll roam
If you'll only lead me father lead me gently home
Oh lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
Lead me gently home father lead me gently home
If life's darkest hours father when my troubles come
Keep my feet from wandering there from Thee I'll roam
Lest I fall upon the wayside lead me gently home
When my hands are tired and my step is slow
Walk beside me and give me the strenght to go
Fill my face with your courage so defeat won't show
Pick me up when I stumble so the world won't know
Lead me Father with the staff of life give me the strenght for a song
That the words I sing might more strenght bring
To help some poor troubled weary worker along
When my way is light but I still can see
With a strong hand strike out the blindness in me
Show me work that I should carry on for Thee
Make my way straight and narrow like you wanted to be
Put the bottle on the table let it stay there till I'm unable
To see your face in every place that I go
I've been sitting here too long just remembering that you are gone
One more drink of wine and if you're still on my mind
One drink just one more and then another
I'll keep drinking it won't matter I'll just remember that I once had
I don't know why I sat and cry every day
I've been trying to forget but I haven't stopped it yet
One more drink of wine and if you're still on my mind
One drink just one more and then another
[ steel ]
There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
Last time we were here at Folsom Prison, they were hanging Joe Bean.Is Joe still here...Joe Bean?Hang the son of a bitch anyways, right?
Well, they're hanging Joe Bean this morning, for killing a man in Arkansas.Funny thing about it, Joe Bean has never been to Arkansas.On top of that, Joe Bean never heard of the man.In fact, today is Joe Bean's twentieth birthday.
See through the prison bars, Joe Bean, see where the gallows stand.Just twenty short years from the day you were born, you died by the hangman's hand.
Yes, they're hanging Joe Bean this morning, for a shooting that he never did.He killed 20 men, by the time he was 10, he was an unruly kid.
Yes, they're hanging Joe Bean for the one shooting that Joe Bean never did.
Well, Joe - your mother is at the Capitol, asking the governor for a stay.And it's hard on her, 'cause she knows where you were, on that particular day.You were working Joe Bean, hard working, robbing the Santa Fe.
When I was a little bitty baby my mama would rock me in my cradle
In them old cottonfields back home
When I was a little bitty baby...
Now when them cotton bolls get rotten you can't pick very much cotton
In them old cottonfields back home
It was down in Louisiana just about a mile from Texarkana
In them old cottonfields back home
[ guitar ]
When I was a little bitty baby...
When I was a little bitty baby...
In them old cottonfields back home in them old cottonfields back home
There's a land that is fairer than day and by faith we can see it apart
For the father waits over the way to prepare us a dwelling place there
In the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore
[ piano ]
We shall sing on that beautiful shore for the melodious songs of the blessed
And our spirits shall sorrow no more not a sight for the blessing of rest
In the sweet by and by...
To a bountiful father above we shall offer our tribute of praise
For the glory as gift of his love and the blessing that howlered days
In the sweet by and by...
There are places I'll remember
All my life
Though some have changed
Some forever
Not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends
I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life
I've loved them all
But if all these friends and lovers
There is no one
Compares with you
And these memories
Lose their meaning
When I think of love
As something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life
I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life
I love you more
In my life
He's in the jailhouse now
He's in the jailhouse now
I told him once or twice
To quit playin' cards and shootin' dice
He's in the jailhouse now
Well I had a friend named Ramblin' Bob
Who used to steal, gamble and rob
He thought he was the smartest guy in town
But I found out last Monday
That Bob got locked up Sunday
They got him in the jailhouse way down town
He's in the jailhouse now
He's in the jailhouse now
I told him once or twice
To quit playin' cards and shootin' dice
He's in the jailhouse now
Well I went out last Tuesday
Met a girl named Susie
I told her I was the swellest man around
Well she started in to spend my money
She started in to call me honey
We took in every honky tonk in town
We're in the jailhouse now
We're in the jailhouse now
They told us once or twice
To quit playin' cards and shootin' dice
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
(I will meet you on that beautiful shore)
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey and perhaps we'll never meet anymore
Till we gather in heaven's bright city far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven by the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever and where seperation comes no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven I will meet you on that beautiful shore
Oh they say we shall meet by the river where no storm clouds ever darken the sky
And they say we'll be happy in heaven in the wonderful sweet by and by
If we never meet again...
(If we never meet again this side of heaven) I will meet you on that beautiful shore
(Beautiful beautiful shore)
I'm a drifter, a lonesome drifter
Got no place to call my home no more
I'm a wanderer, a lonesome wanderer
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' deep inside
Still I need to stay alive
And who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, a lonesome drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' deep inside
Still I need to stay alive
Who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, a lonesome drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no one to call my own no more
(Albert E. Brumley)
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps never meet anymore
Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the side of the river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And where separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
We sailed on the ship John B, my grandfather and me
Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night, got into a fight
Well, I feel so homesick I wanna go home
So hoist up the John B sail, see how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home, why don't you let me go home?
Well, I feel so homesick I wanna go home
The first mate, he got drunk, broke up the people's trunk
Constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone, why don't you leave me alone?
Well, I feel so homesick I wanna go home
Then the cook, he caught the fits, threw out all of my grits
Then he took and ate up all of my corn
Let me go home, why don't you let me go home?
Well, this is the worst trip since I have been born
So hoist up the John B sail, see how the mainsail sets
Call for the captain ashore, let me go home
Let me go home, why don't you let me go home?
Well I've come here to tell you folks I'm ragged but I'm right
I'm a tramp and a gambler I stay out late at night
But a porterhouse steak steak three times a day for my board
That's more than any loafer in this old town can afford
Well I got big electric fan to keep me cool while I sleep
A little baby boy playin' rounds at my feet
I'm a rambler and a gambler and I've lead a dirty life
Well I tell you folks I'm ragged but I'm right
Well then I got married I knew I'd settle down
And I built a little love nest right here in my hometown
Now I've got a family one that I'm proud of
I know that I'll be happy cause they're the ones I love
Well I got big electric fan...
I tell you folks I'm ragged but I'm right
I'm a rambler and a gambler I've lead a dirty life
I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high and canvas covered load
If you're going to Winnemucca, mack, with me you can ride
So I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land"
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo
Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow
Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa
Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama
Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor
Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo
Tocopilla, Barranquilla and
Padilla, I'm a killer
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to Boston, Charleston, Dayton
Louisiana, Washington, Houston
Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Ferriday
Santa Fe, Tallahoosa, Glen Rock
Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee Spirit Lake
Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
I've been to Louisville, Nashville
Knoxville, Ombabika, Shefferville
Jacksonville, Water ville, Costa Rica
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield
Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac
Fond Du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellicoe
Argentina, Diamontina, Pasadena
Catalina, see what I mean'a
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg
Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg Vicksburg
El Dorado, Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw
Chattanika, Chaska Nebraska, Alaska
Opelika, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo
Kansas City Sioux City, Cedar City
Dodge City, what a pity
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
Some glad morning when this life is over,
I'll fly away.
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory,
I'll fly away. (In the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I'll fly away.
When the shadows of this life are gone,
I'll fly away.
Like a bird from prison bars has flown
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory,
I'll fly away. (In the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
I'll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away.
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away.
I'll fly away, O Glory,
I'll fly away. (In the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye,
Hold on honey I'd like to say
I'm bustin' out and breakin' away
I'm letin' you go like a hot horse shoe
I can't take another heart ache from you
Think about how it's gonna be when you start back to needin' me
When ya dancin' shoes have lost their shine, I'm gonna be gone and mine
(chorus)
I'm leavin' now, I'm leavin', now get outta my face get outta my place
I'm leavin' now adeos' I'm leavin now
At the time ya come to trim the fat feed the chicken scraps to the front seat cat, Bye bye baby when the come due you might have to give up a jewel or two
Eat ya heart out anyway it's harder to hit and it's cold as clay
It's all over now ya won't have me ya shugger daddy or ya money tree
(chorus)
Pull up the coller on my travlin' coat
Sale that misuerble pleasure boat
Woundn't give a nickle for another buck
I'm livin on muscle guts and luck
If anybody asks where did I go
Tell'em I went where the wild goose go
Wouldn't even have an area code
Don't have a number don't need a road
(chorus)
(repeat chorus)
I'M GONNA TRY
TO BE THAT WAY
Once upon a time there lived a man, um um
Many years ago in a foreign land
Knew how to live right,
Tried to be a light
Gave everybody a helping hand
I'm gonna try to be that way, um um
I'm gonna try to be that way
Do the kind of things a man oughta do
Say the kind of things a man oughta say
I'm gonna try to be that way
He never done anybody wrong, um um
He tried to help everybody 'long
He brought a better land
To make a better man
Out of the rich or the poor or the weak or the strong
And he preached love and brotherhood, uh, huh
He went around doin' good, doin' good
Everywhere he went
They knew that he was sent
And the people started actin' like they should
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.
I am bound for the promised land,
Oh please don't be so carelss with your glances
Don't look at me that way and breathe a sigh
Please don't get too close and let me love you
Cause I just might be fool enough to try
It's not that I don't think I'm worthy of you
But mem'ries from the past I still recall
Please don't get too close and let me love you
Cause I just might be fool enough to fall
[ steel ]
[Verse 1]
Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
[Verse 2]
Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down
[Chorus]
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground and I won't back down
[Verse 3]
Well I know what's right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I stand my ground and I won't back down
[Chorus]
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground and I won't back down
When I come to the river at the ending of day
When the last winds of sorrow have blown
There'll be somebody waiting to show me the way I won't have to cross Jordan alone
I won't have to cross Jordan alone Jesus died all my sins to atone
In the darkness I see he'll be waiting for me I won't have to cross Jordan alone
[ piano ]
Often times I'm weary and troubled and sad
When it seems that my friends have all flown
There is one thought that cheers me and makes my heart glad
I won't have to cross Jordan alone
I won't have to cross Jordan...
[ guitar ]
Though the billows of trouble and sorrow may sweep
Christ the Saviour will care for his own
Till the end of my journey my soul he will keep and I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Last night I dreamed
An angel came
He took my hand
He called my name
He bid me look
The other way
I saw a man
I heard him say
He said if I be lifted up
I'll draw all men to me
He turned and then
I saw the nail-scared hand
That bled for me
I touched the hem of his garment
That fell round him there
My life, my heart, I gave
My soul was in his care
When I awoke
My heart beat so
And in the dark
I saw a glow
This was no dream
He turned my way
Again I heard
My Saviour say
He said if I be lifted up
I'll draw all men to me
He turned and then
I saw the nail-scared hand
That bled for me
I touched the hem of his garment
That fell 'round him there
My life, my heart, I gave
My soul was in his care
Well, you're my friend and can you see?Many times we've been out drinkingMany times we've shared our thoughtsBut did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got?
Well you know I have a love, a love for everyone I knowAnd you know I have a drive to live I won't let goBut can you see this opposition, comes rising up sometimes?That it's dreadfull and position, comes blacking in my mind
And there I see a darknessAnd there I see a darknessAnd there I see a darknessAnd there I see a darknessDid you know how much I love you?Here's a hope that somehow youCan save me from this darkness
Well I hope that someday buddy, we'll have peace in our livesTogether or apart alone or with our wivesAnd we can stop our whoring and pull the smiles insideAnd light it up forever and never go to sleepMy best unbeaten brother, this isn't all I see
I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth goodwill to men
I thought how as the day had come the belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along unbroken song of peace on earth goodwill to men
And in despair I bowed my head there is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong that mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill to men
(Then pealed the bells more loud and deep God is not dead nor doubt he sleeps
The wrong shall fail the right prevail with peace on earth goodwill to men)
Till ringin' singin' on its way the world revolve from night to day
A voice a chime a chance so blind on earth goodwill to men
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep God is not dead nor doubt he sleeps
You think you know the smile on her lips the thrill at the touch of her fingertips
But I forgot more than you'll ever know about her
You think you'll find a heaven of bliss in each caress and each tender kiss
But I forgot more than you'll ever know about her
You stole her love from me one day you didn't care how you've hurt me
But you can never steal away mem'ries of what used to be
You think she's yours to have and to hold
But someday you'll learn when her love grows cold
That I forgot more than you'll ever know about her
[ ac.guitar ]
I don't know where I'm bound
I don't know where I'm bound
Whistles calling me away
leaving at the break of day and
I don't know where I'm bound
Can't stand locks, bars or doors
mean cops insanity and wars
Gotta find a place of peace
Till then much travellin' on seas
but I don't know where I'm bound
There's gotta be a place for me
under some green growing tree
clear cool water running by
an unfettered view of the sky
but I don't know where I'm bound
When I die don't bury me
cause then I must be free
cremate my body with a grin
throw my ashes to the wind
cause I don't know where I'm bound
I don't know where I'm bound
I don't know where I'm bound
Whistles calling me away
leaving at the break of day and
I don't know where I'm bound
Got myself a little gall
she has been a damn right pall
that ol' highway's calling me
and free I gotta be but
I saw you walking by his side heard you whisper all those lies
And I couldn't keep from crying
You sang him love songs tenderly that should have been for you and me
And I couldn't keep from crying
I saw his eyes drinking your charms while he held you in his arms
Him with all his wedding ways rules your heart now in my place
I stood and watched him steal a kiss from two lips I know I'll miss
And I couldn't keep from crying
[ steel ]
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Travelling through this wearisome land
I've got a home in that yonder city, good lord
And it's not, not made by hand
I've got a mother, sister and a brother
Who have gone this way before
I am determined to go and see them, good lord
For they're on that other shore
I'm goin' down to the river of jordan
Just to bathe my wearisome soul
If I can just touch the hem of his garment, good lord
Then I know he'd take me home
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Travelling through this wearisome land
I've got a home in that yonder city, good lord
Don't be fool by big blue eyes by a smile or a golden curl
Cause she'll love you now and then break every vow cause she's just a honky tonk girl
Breaking hearts to her is just the way of having fun
She thinks every man's a fool and you're another one
She knows all the arts of love she'll give your heart a twirl
Cause she's just a honky tonk girl
[ fiddle ]
She can never change your ways though you'll give her all the world
She's had more than one or two and each day there's someone new
Cause she's just a honky tonk girl
He turned the water into wine
He turned the water into wine
In the little Cana town
The word went all around that
He turned the water into wine
Well he walked upon the Sea of Galilee
He walked upon the Sea of Galilee
Shouted far and wide
He calmed the raging tide
And walked upon the Sea of Galilee
He turned the water into wine
He did my lord now,
He turned the water into wine
In the litle cana town,
The word went all around
That he turned the water into wine
He fed the hungry multitude,
He fed the hungry multitude.
With a little fish and bread,
They said every one was fed, 5000
He fed the hungry multitude.
He turned the water into wine.
He did, just a carpender from Nazrith,
He turned the water into wine,
In the little cana town,
The word went all around,
He turned the water into wine.
[Chorus: ]
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Way beyond the blue.
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
Way beyond the blue.
[Chorus]
I took Jesus as my Savior, You take Him too.
I took Jesus as my Savior, You take Him too.
I took Jesus as my Savior, You take Him too.
Way beyond the blue.
I want to live,
I want to give
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold.
It's these expressions
I never give
That keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
for a heart of gold
I've been in my mind,
it's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
Keep me searching
for a heart of gold
You keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I'm getting old.
I've been a miner
Give when you give him best of your service telling the world that the Saviour has come
Be not dismayed if man don't believe you he'll understand and say well done
Oh when I come to the end of my journey weary of life and the battle is won
Bearing the staff and the cross of redemption he'll understand and say well done
(He'll understand and say well done)
Misunderstood the Saviour of sinners died on the cross he was God's only son
But he knew well that his father in heaven would understand and say well done
[Chorus:]
Breaking Bread, Breaking Bread
We are gathered here together to break bread
Breaking Bread, Breaking Bread
We are gathered here together to break bread
It's not the barley or the wheat
It's not the oven or the heat
That makes this bread so good to eat
It's the needing and the sharing that makes the meal complete
[Chorus]
Upon the water bread is cast
The last is first, the first is last
For everyone who eats this bread
There are thousands maybe more that will be fed
Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water (no)
If I could get to mercy man he's give me some I know
I got a gal in Vickburg Bertha is her name
Wish I's tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord) yeah (uh huh)
But dues took all my money wouldn't let me see the cards
I owen the boss about a hundred years for sleepin' in his backyard
I'm goin' to Memphis (yeah Memphis) yeah I'm goin' to Memphis (now)
Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis
I never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place (that's right)
I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face (uh huh)
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord Memphis)
Well the freezin' ground at night is my own foldin' bed
Polk salad is my bread and meat and it will be till I'm dead
Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I believe he broke my hand (hm hm)
They all call me crazy for sassin' Mr Scott
My brother was killed for a deed I did but I disremember what (yeah)
Well another boy is down the shovel burned him out
Let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin's about
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah I'm goin' to Memphis hmm
Like a bitter weed...
Inside the walls of prison my body may be but my Lord has set my soul free
There's a greystone chapel here at Folsom a house of worship in this den of sin
You wouldn't think that God had a place here at Folsom
But he saved the souls of many lost men
Now there's greystone chapel here at Folsom
Stands a hundred years all made of granite rock
It takes a ring of keys to move here at Folsom
But the door to the House of God is never locked
Inside the walls of prison my body may be but my Lord has set my soul free
[Guitar instrumental]
There are men here that don't ever worship
There are men here who scoff at the ones who pray
But I've got down on my knees in that greystone chapel
And I thank the Lord for helpin' me each day
Now there's greystone chapel here at Folsom
It has a touch of God's hand on ever stone
It's a flower of light in a field of darkness and it's givin' me the strength to carry on
I found him by the railroad track this morning
I could see that he was nearly dead
I knelt down beside him and I listened
Just to hear the words the dying fellow said
He said, "They let me out of prison out in Frisco
For ten long years, I've paid for what I've done
I was trying to get back to Louisiana
To see my Rose and get to know my son
Give my love to Rose please, won't you mister?
Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothes
Tell my boy that daddy's so proud of him
And don't forget to give my love to Rose"
Won't you tell them, I said thanks for waiting for me
Tell my boy to help his mom at home
Tell my Rose to try to find another
For it's ain't right that she should live alone
"Mister, here's a bag with all my money
It won't last them long the way it goes
God bless you for finding me this morning
Now don't forget to give my love to Rose
Give my love to Rose please, won't you Mister?
Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothes
Tell my boy that daddy's so proud of him
And don't forget to give my love to Rose"
God will walk with me down streets where no one else will walk
God will talk with me of things that no one else will talk
When no one else will walk and no one else will talk when no one will God will
God will share with me the little worries no one knows are there
God will care for me whenever there is no one else to care
When no one will be there and no one else will share when no one will God will
God will think of me when friends forget and fail to understand
God will strenghten me when I am weak and need a helping hand
When no one understands or lends a helping hand
(Feat. Bob Dylan)
If you're traveling in the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was the true love of mine.
If you go when the snowflakes storm
When the rivers freeze and summer ends
Please see if she's a coat so warm
To keep her from the howlin' winds.
Please see if her hair hangs long
If it rolls and flows all down her breast
Please see from me if her hair hangs long
That's the way I remember her best.
I'm a-wonderin' if she remember me at all
Many times I've often prayed
In the darkness of my night
In the brightness of my day.
So if you're travelin' in the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
Well it's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag rolled up
Stashed behind your couch
And it's knowin' I'm not shackled by
forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that have dried upon some lines
That keeps you in the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
And keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or somethin' that somebody said because
They thought we fit together walkin'
It's just knowin' that the world
Will not be cursin' or forgivin'
When I walk along some railroad track and find
That you're movin' on the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the coal mines and the junkyards
And the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
'Cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence
Tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
But not to where I cannot see
You walkin' on the back roads by the rivers
Flowin' gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup
From some gurglin', cracklin' cauldron
In some train yard
My beard a roughenin' coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands 'round a tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're wavin' from the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
Ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind
Jesus our King kind and good was humbly born in a stable of wood
And the lowly beasts around him stood Jesus our King kind and good
I said the donkey shaggy and brown I carried his mother up and down
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town I said the donkey shaggy and brown
I said the ox this was my hay I gave him my manger twas here that he lay
I gave him my manger twas here that he lay I said the ox this was my hay
(I said the sheep with pearly horn I gave him my wool for a blanket warm
He wore my coat on Christmas morn I said the sheep with pearly horn)
I said the dove from the rafters high I sang him to sleep that he would not cry
We sang him to sleep my love and I I said the dove from the rafters high
And so every heart by some good spell in the stable dark was glad to tell
On this rock pile, with my ball and chain.
They call me by a number not a name Lord, Lord.
Gotta do my time, I gotta do my time.
With an achin' heart, on that gal of mine.
You can here my hammer, you can hear my saw.
Gonna sing it like John Henry all day long Lord, Lord.
Gotta do my time, I gotta do my time.
With an achin' heart, on that gal of mine.
When that old judge looked down at me.
Said I put you in that penetentiary Lord, Lord.
Gotta do my time, I gotta do my time.
With an achin' heart, on that gal of mine.
Well now it wont be long, just a few more days.
They'll let me out of here I'm gonna stay Lord, Lord.
With that gal of mine, with that gal of mine.
I close my eyes and picture the emerald of the sea
From the fishing boats at Dingle to the shores of DONAGHADEE
I miss the river Shannon and the folks at Skibbereen
The moorlands and the meadows with their forty shades of green
But most of all I miss a girl in Tipperary town
And most of all I miss her lips as soft as eiderdown
Again I want to see and do the things we've done and seen
Where the breeze is sweet as Shalimar and there's forty shades of green
I wish that I could spend an hour at Dublin's churning surf
I'd love to watch the farmers drain the bogs and spade the turf
To see again the thatching of the straw the women glean
I'd walk from Cork to Larne to see the forty shades of green
Well he's not very handsome to look at
Oh he's shaggy and he eats like a hog
And he's always killin' my chickens
That dirty old egg-suckin' dog
Egg-suckin' dog
I'm gonna stomp your head in the ground
If you don't stay out of my hen house
You dirty old egg-suckin' hound
Now if he don't stop eatin' my eggs up
Though I'm not a real bad guy
I'm gonna get my riffle and send him
To that great chicken house in the sky
Egg-suckin' dog
Your always hangin' around
But you'd better stay out of my hen house
From the backdoor of your life you swept me out dear
In the bread line of your dreams I lost my place
At the table of your love I got the brush off
At the Indianapolis of your heart I lost the race
I’ve been washed down the sink of your conscience
In the theater of your love I lost my part
And now you say you’ve got me out of your conscience
I’ve been flushed from the bathroom of your heart
In the garbage disposal of you dreams I’ve been ground up dear
On the river of your plans I’m up the creek
Up the elevator of your future I’ve been shafted
On the calendar of your events I’m last week
I’ve been washed down the sink of your conscience
In the theater of your love I lost my part
And now you say you’ve got me out of your conscience
Beside a Singin' Mountain Stream
Where the Willow grew
Where the Silver Leaf of Maple
Sparkled in the Mornin' Dew
I braided Twigs of Willows
Made a String of Buckeye Beads
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need.
I leaned against a Bark of Birch
And I breathed the Honey Dew
I saw a North-bound Flock of Geese
Against a Sky of Baby Blue
Beside the Lily Pads
I carved a Whistle from a Reed;
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need.
A Cardinal sang just for me
And I thanked him for the Song
Then the Sun went slowly down the West
And I had to move along
These were some of the things
On which my Mind and Spirit feed
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
So when this Day was ended
I was still not satisfied
For I knew ev'rything I touched
Would wither and would die
And Love is all that will remain
And grow from all these Seed
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Beside a Singin' Mountain Stream
Where the Willow grew
Where the Silver Leaf of Maple
Sparkled in the Mornin' Dew
I braided Twigs of Willows
Made a String of Buckeye Beads
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need.
I leaned against a Bark of Birch
And I breathed the Honey Dew
I saw a North-bound Flock of Geese
Against a Sky of Baby Blue
Beside the Lily Pads
I carved a Whistle from a Reed;
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need.
A Cardinal sang just for me
And I thanked him for the Song
Then the Sun went slowly down the West
And I had to move along
These were some of the things
On which my Mind and Spirit feed
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
So when this Day was ended
I was still not satisfied
For I knew ev'rything I touched
Would wither and would die
And Love is all that will remain
And grow from all these Seed
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Field of diamonds in the sky, worlds are whirling right on by.
Are you wondering who am I?
Fields of diamonds in the sky.
Am I just a star in some crown?
Or someone's life sun going down, down, down?
Field of diamonds in the sky, silent beauty shining high.
Are you tears the angels cry?
Field of diamonds in the sky
Field of diamonds in the sky, like the night you pass me by.
I could touch you if I tried, fields of diamonds in the sky.
Am I just a star in some crown?
Or someone's life sun going down, down, down?
Field of diamonds in the sky, silent beauty shining high.
Are you tears the angels cry?
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.
Son
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
if you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
Son
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.
Son
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
if you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
Son
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.
I got a friend named Whiskey Sam
He was my boonierat buddy for a year in Nam
He said is my country just a little off track
Took 'em twenty-five years to welcome me back
But, it's better than not coming back at all
Many a good man I saw fall
And even now, every time I dream
I hear the men and the monkeys in the jungle scream
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Drive on, don't mean nothin', drive on
I remember one night, Tex and me
Rappelled in on a hot L.Z.
We had our 16's on rock and roll
But, with all that fire, I was scared and cold
We were crazy, we were wild
And I have seen the tiger smile
I spit in a bamboo viper's face
And I'd be dead , but by God's grace
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Drive on, don't mean nothin', drive on
It was a real slow walk in a real sad rain
And nobody tried to be John Wayne
I came home, but Tex did not
And I can't talk about the hit he got
I got a little limp now when I walk
Got a little tremolo when I talk
But my letter read from Whiskey Sam
You're a walkin' talkin' miracle from Vietnam
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Drive on, don't mean nothin', drive on
From the Indian reservation to the governmental school
Well they're goin' to educate me to the white men's Golden Rule
And I'm learning very quickly for I've learned to be ashamed
And I come when they call Billy though I've got an Indian name
And there are drums beyond the mountain Indian drums that you can't hear
There are drums beyond the mountain and they're getting mighty near
And when they think that they'd changed me cut my hair to meet their needs
Will they think I'm white or Indian quarter blood or just half breed
Let me tell you Mr teacher when you say you'll make me right
In five hundred years of fighting not one Indian turned white
And there are drums...
Well you thought that I knew nothing when you brought me here to school
Just another empty Indian just America's first fool
But now I can tell you stories that are burnt and dried and old
But in the shadow of their telling walks the thunder proud and bold
And there are drums...
Long Pine and Sequoia Handsome Lake and Sitting Bull
There's Magnus Colorado with his sleeves so red and full
Crazy Horse the legend those who bit off Custer's soul
They are dead yet they are living with the great Geronimo
And there are drums...
Well you may teach me this land's hist'ry but we taught it to you first
We broke your hearts and bent your journeys broken treaties left us cursed
Even now you have to cheat us even though you this us tame
In our losing we found proudness in your winning you found shame
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summer's gone and all the roses fallin'
It's you, it's you, must go and I must bide
But come ye back, when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
I'll be here, oh Danny boy, I'll miss you so
But if you fall as all the flowers are fallin'
And if you're dead, as dead you well may be
I'll come and find the place where you are lying
And kneel and say an Ave there for thee
But come ye back, when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Well you can't be my lovin' baby
You ain't gotta style
I'm gonna get some real good love
Gonna drive those cool cats wild
I'm gonna move, move on down the line
Wanna get some love, a love that's truly fine
Oh I'm gonna show you a-way so hot
I'm gonna get what you ain't got
She'll be cool, she'll be wrong
She'll be cool and twice as strong
Gonna roll roll on down the line
Wanna get some love, a love that's truly fine
Why! come on now
Yeah, Move on down the line
Wanna get some love that's truly fine
She'll be cool, she'll be long
She'll be cool and twice as strong
Gonna roll, roll on down the line
Gonna get some love, a love that's truly fine
Oh let's sing it again one time now
Yeah, move on down the line
Wanna get some love that's truly fine
She'll be cool, she'll be long
She'll be cool and twice as strong
Gonna roll, roll on down the line
Wanna get some love, a love that's truly fine
Yeah, move (Yeah gonna move)
I'm gonna move (Yeah gonna move)
It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don't matter, anyhow
An' it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don't know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason I'm trav'lin' on
Don't think twice, it's all right
It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An' it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
I can't hear you any more
I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right
I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right
Baby you're tired I can see in your eyes I know how you feel
We've been together too long to conceal
What's in you hearts maybe we should part but after so many years
That would only bring loneliness sorrow and tears and anyway
I never could never would never will ever kill what's between us
So let's try again we'll start a brand new dance between old friends
There will always be days when it don't seem to pay when it just doesn't rhyme
Well let's bound to happen some of the time
Our best days ain't gone we don't need to move on well maybe we could try
But I don't think you can make it and neither could I and anyway
I never could...
Baby come here love ain't disappeared you're just feeling low
And let me tell you my darling it's a feeling I know
It don't mean too much we just got out of touch well that's easy to change
Cause loving you ain't too hard to arrange and anyway
Oh come all you young fellers so young and so fine
Seek not your fortune in a dark dreary mine
It'll form as a habit and seep in your soul
Till the stream of your blood runs as black as the coal
Where it's dark as a dungeon damp as the dew
danger is double pleasures are few
Where the rain never falls the sun never shines
It's a dark as a dungeon way down in the mine
Well it's many a man that I've seen in my day
(uh huh no laughin' during this song please it's bein' recorded)
Like a fiend with his dope and a drunkard with his wine
A man will have lust for the lure of the mine
And pray when I'm dead and my ages shall roll
That my body would blacken and turn into coal
Then I'll look from the door of my heavenly home
and pity the miner digging my bones
Where it's dark as a dungeon...
My daddy left home when I was three
And he didn't leave much to Ma and me
Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze.
Now, I don't blame him cause he run and hid
But the meanest thing that he ever did
Was before he left, he went and named me 'Sue.'
Well, he must o' thought that is was quite a joke
And it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk,
It seems I had to fight my whole life through.
Some gal would giggle and I'd get red
And some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head,
I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named 'Sue.'
Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean,
My fist got hard and my wits got keen,
I'd roam from town to town to hide my shame.
But I made me a vow to the moon and stars
That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars
And kill that man that give me that awful name.
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July
And I just hit town and my throat was dry,
I thought I'd stop and have myself a brew.
At an old saloon on a street of mud,
There at a table, dealing stud,
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me 'Sue.'
Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad
>From a worn-out picture that my mother'd had,
And I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye.
He was big and bent and gray and old,
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold
And I said: "My name is 'Sue!' how do you do! Now you gonna die!"
Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes
And he went down but, to my surprise,
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear.
But I busted a chair right across his teeth
And we crashed through the wall and into the street
Kicking and a' gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer.
I tell ya, I've fought tougher men
But I really can't remember when,
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile.
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss,
He went for his gun and I pulled mine first,
He stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile.
And he said: "Son, this world is rough
And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough
And I know I wouldn't be there to help ya along.
So I give ya that name and I said good-bye
I knew you'd have to get tough or die
And it's that name that helped to make you strong."
He said: 'Now you just fought one hell of a fight
And I know you hate me, and you got the right
To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do.
But ya ought to thank me, before I die,
For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye
Cause I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you 'Sue'.'
I got all choked up and I threw down my gun
And I called him my pa, and he called me his son,
And I come away with a different point of view.
And I think about him, now and then,
Every time I try and every time I win,
And if I ever have a son, I think I'm gonna name him
Bill or George! Anything but sue! I still hate that name!
Darlin' companion, come on and give me understandin'.
And let me be your champion: a hand to hold your pretty hand in.
Darlin' companion, now you know you'll never be abandoned.
Love will always light our landin': I can depend on you.
Oh, a little saucy mare like you should have a steed.
Oh, a little bridlin' down from you is what I need.
Darlin' companion, now you know you'll never be abandoned.
Love will always light our landin': I can depend on you.
Darlin' companion, come on and give me understandin'.
As long as we keep laughin', bear in mind just what could happen.
Darlin' companion, I tell the mountains and the canyons,
Long as I got legs to stand on, I'm gonna stick by you.
Oh, a little saucy mare like you should have a steed.
Oh, a little bridlin' down from you is what I need.
Darlin' companion, I tell the mountains and the canyons,
Long as I got legs to stand on, I'm gonna stick by you.
Darlin' companion, I tell the mountains and the canyons,
There ain't no money to buy cocaine, sugar babe
There ain't no money to buy cocaine, sugar babe
There ain't no money to buy cocaine
Burn your nose and rot your brain, sugar babe
sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around, sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around, sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around
Threw on my rags and walked 'round town
standing on a corner don't you see, sugar babe
standing on a corner don't you see, sugar babe
standing on a corner don't you see
they hauled me away for vagrancy, sugar babe
leave that red whiskey alone, sugar babe
leave that red whiskey alone, sugar babe
gives you paulsey in your bones, sugar babe, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out
standing on the corner mouth and a pout, sugar babe
aw, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town
You get a little crazy then burn your house down
sugar babe, sugar babe
I said Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town
You get a little crazy then burn your house down
sugar babe
I got a crib full of corn and a turnin' plow
But the ground's too wet for the hopper now
I got a cultivator and a double tree
And a leather line for the Hull and Gee
Let the thunder roll and the lightnin' flash
I'm doing alright for country trash
I'm savin' up dimes for a rainy day
And I got about a dollar laid away
The wind's from the south and the fishing's good
Got a pot belly stove and a cord of wood
Mama turns the left-overs into hash
So I'm doing alright for country trash
I got a Mackinaw and a hunting dog
And a cap that I ordered from the catalog
A big tall tree that shades the yard
A big fat sow for the winter's lard
Let the thunder roll and the lightnin' flash
I'm doing alright for country trash
Well, there's not much new ground left to plow
And crops need fertilizer now
My hands don't earn me too much gold
For security when I grow old
But we'll all be equal when we're under the grass
And God's got a Heaven for country trash
And God's got a Heaven for country trash
And I'll be doing all right for country trash
Country boy, ain't got no shoes
Country boy, ain't got no blues
Well, you work all day while you're waitin' to play In the sun and the sand, with a face that's tan
But at the end of the day, when your work is done
You ain't got nothin' but fun
Country boy, you got a shaggy dog
Country boy, up a hollow log
Well, he comes in a run, when you pick up your gun
And with a shell or two, and your dog and you
When you get your rabbit, you'll skin his hide
He's gonna be good fried
Country boy, you got alot to lose
Country boy, how I wish I was in your shoes
Country boy, ain't got no ills
Country boy, don't owe no bills
You get a wiggly worm and then you watch him squirm
While you put him on a hook and you drop him in a brook
If everything's gonna turn out right, you're gonna fry fish tonight
Country boy, got alot to lose
Country boy, how I wish I was in your shoes
Country boy, you got work to do
Country boy, in the morning dew
You gotta plant the seed, you gotta cut the weeds
There's many a row you know you gotta hoe
When it's quittin' time, and your work is through
There's alot of life in you
Country boy, you lucky thing
I wish I was an apple, a-hangin' on a tree and every time my Cindy passed, she'd take a little bite of me.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, Cindy is my honey the sweetest in the south, when we kissed to bees would all swarm around her mouth.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, I wish I had a needle and thread, fine as I could sow. I'd sow my Cindy to my side and down the road I'd go.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, Cindy got religion. She'd had it once before, she grabbed my ole banjo, man and throw it on the floor.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, it's apples in the summer time, peaches in the fall. If I can't have the gal I want I won't have none at all.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Cindy hugged and kissed me, she hung her head and cried, I swore she was the prettiest thing that ever lived or died.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day
I'll marry you one day
I'm just an old chunk of coal
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna glow and grow
'Til I'm so blue pure perfect
I'm gonna put a smile on everybody's face
I'm gonna kneel and pray everyday
Lest I should become vain along the way
I'm just an old chunk of coal, now Lord
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna learn the best way to walk
I'm gonna search and find a better way to talk
I'm gonna spit and polish my old rough-edged self
Til I get rid of every single flaw
I'm gonna be the World's best friend
I'm gonna go around shaking everybody's hand
Hey, I'm gonna be the cotton-pickin' Rage of the Age
I'm gonna be a diamond some day
One day near Christmas when I was just a child
Mama called us together and mama tried to smile
She said you know the cottoncrop hasn't been too good this year
There's just no spending money and well at least we're all here
I hope you won't expect a lot of Christmas presents
Just be thankful that there is plenty to eat
That's quite a blessing that'll make things a little more pleasant
And us kids got to thinking how really blessed we were
At least we were all healthy and best of all we had her
Roy cut down a pigapple tree and we drug it home Jack and me
Daddy killed a squirrel and Louise made the bread
Reba decorated the tree with popcorn strings before we went to bed
Mama and daddy sacrificed cause this Christmas was lean
But after all there was the babies Tom and Joanne babies need a few things
I whittled a whistle for my brother Jack and though we fought now and then
When I gave Jack that whistle he knew I thought the world of him
Mama made the girl's dresses out of flower sacks
And when she ironed them down you couldn't tell that they hadn't come from town
A sharecropped family across the road didn't have it as good as us
They didn't even have a light and it was way past dusk
And mama said well I bet they don't even have coaloil or beans to boil
A log apples cranges and such
Me and Jack took a jar of coaloil nd some hickernuts we'd found
We walked to the sharecropper's porch and set 'em down
A poor old ragged lady eased open the door
She picked up the coaloil and hickernuts and said
I sure do thank ye and quickly closed the door
We started back home me and Jack and about halfway we stopped looked back
And in the sharecropper's window at last was a light
So for one of the neighbors and for us it was a good Christmas night
Christmas came and Christmas went Christmas that year was heaven sent
Oh, arrested on charges over unemployment
He was sitting in the witness stand.
The judges wife called a district attorney
She said free that browned eye man
If you want your job you better free that brown eyed handsome man.
Well, flying across the desert in a TWA,
I saw a woman walkin' in the sand.
She'd be walking thirty miles en route to bombay
To meet a brown eyed handsome man,
Her destination was a brown eyed handsome man.
Way back in history three thousand years,
In fact ever since the world began,
There's been a whole lotta good women shedding tears
Over a brown eyed handsome man,
A lot of trouble was a brown eyed handsome man.
Well, a beautiful daughter couldn't make up her mind
Between a doctor and a lawyer man.
Her mother told her daughter go out and find yourself
A brown eyed handsome man,
Just like your daddy was, a brown eyed handsome man.
Well, the milo de venus was a beautiful lass,
She had the world in the palm of her hand
She lost both her arms in a wrestling match
To win a brown eyed handsome man,
She fought and won herself a brown eyed handsome man.
Well, a two, three the count with nobody home
He hit a hi'flyer into the stand.
A rounded third he was a-headin' for home
It was a brown eyed handsome man that won the game.
Like a bird on a wire Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a fish on a hook Like a knight from an old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons with thee
And if I have been unkind I hope that you will just let it go by
And if I have been untrue I hope you know it was never to you
Like a baby stillborn Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me
But I swear by this song
By all I have done wrong
I'll make it all up to you
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
He called out to me " Don't ask for so much "
And a young man leaning on his darkened door
He cried out to me " Hey, why not ask for more "
Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
The claim we hold is as good as gold, bonanza
Hand in hand we built this land, the Ponderosa Ranch
Our birthright is this Cartwright bonanza
We here belong, and standing strong, wrong ain't got a chance .
Day by day, work or play, ready side by side
Hello friend, come on in, the gate is open wide
Bound to be a fightin' free bonanza,
Singing pines ARE boundary lines for the Ponderosa Ranch.
[ guitar ]
Every tree and flower is part of our bonanza
The stars at night, the morning light, water in the branch
We ride along four men strong together
Every plain and ridge is our heritage: Ponderosa Ranch
Day by day, work or play, ready side by side.
Hello friend, come on in, the gate is open wide.
Bound to be a fightin' free bonanza,
(I'll have a blue blue Christmas)
I'll have a blue blue Christmas without you I'll be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if you're not here with me
I'll have a blue Christmas that's certain
And when those blue blue heartaches start hurtin'
You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white but I'll have a blue blue Christmas
(I'll have a blue blue Christmas without you I'll be so blue thinking about you)
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if you're not here with me
(I'll have a blue Christmas that's certain
And when those blue blue heartaches start hurtin')
You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white but I'll have a blue blue Christmas
Hoof prints and foot prints, deep ruts the wagons made
The victor and the loser came by here
No head stones, but these bones bring the mascalero death moans
See the smooth black nuggets by the thousands lying here
Petrified, but justified are these apache tears
Dead grass, dry roots, hunger crying in the night
Ghost of broken hearts and laws are here
And who saw the young squaw, they judged by their whiskey law
Tortured till she died of pain and fear
Where the soldiers lay her back, are the black apache tears
The young men, the old men, the guilty and the innocent
Bled red blood and chilled alike with fears
The red men, the white men, no fight ever took this land
So don't raise the dust when you pass here
Son said my mother when I was knee high
You need of clothes to cover you and not a rag have I
There's nothing in the house to make a boy's britches
Nor shears to cut a cloth with nor thread to take stitches
There's nothing in the house but a leaf end of rye
And the harp with a with the woman's head nobody will by and she began to cry
That was in the early fall and when came the late fall
Son she said the sight of you makes your mother's blood crawl
Little skinny shoulder blades stickin' through your clothes
And where you get a jacket from God above knows
It's lucky for me lad your daddy's in the ground
And can't see the way I let his son go around and she made a queer sound
That was in the late fall when the winter came
I'd not a pair of bridges nor a shirt to my name
I couldn't go to school or out of doors to play
And all the other little boys passed our way
Son said my mother come climb into my lap
And I'll chave your little knees while you take a nap
And oh but we were silly for half an hour or more
Me with my long legs draggin' on the floor
I rocked rocked rocked to a mother goose rhyme
Oh but we were happy for half an hour's time
But there was I a great boy and what would folks say
To hear my mother singin' me to sleep all day in such a daft way
Men say the winter was bad that year fuel was scarce and food was dear
A wind with a wolf's head howled about our door
And we burned up the chairs and sat upon the floor
All that was left us was a chair we couldn't break
And the harp with the woman's head nobody would take for song or pity sake
The night before Christmas I cried with the cold
I cried myself to sleep like a two year old
And in the deep night I felt my mother rise
And stare down upon me with love in her eyes
I saw my mother sitting on the one good chair
A light falling on her face from I couldn't tell where
Looking nineteen and not a day older
And the harp with the woman's head leaned against her shoulder
Her thin fingers moving in the thin tall strings
Were weave weave weaving wonderful things
Many bright threads from where I couldn't see
Were running through the harp strings rapidly
And gold threads whistlin' through my mother's hands
I saw the web grow and the pattern expand
She wove a child's jacket and when it was done
She laid it on the floor and wove another one
She wove a red cloak so regal to see
She's made it for a king's son I said and not for me but I knew it was for me
She wove a pair of bridges and quicker than that
She wove a pair of boots a little cocked hat
She wove a pair of mittens she wove a little blouse
She wove all night in the still cold house
She sang as she worked and the harp strings spoke
But her voice never faltered and the thread never broke
But when I awoke there sat my mother
With the harp against her shoulder lookin' nineteen and not a day older
A smile about her lips and a light about her head
And her hands in the harp strings frozen dead
And piled up beside her toppling to the skies
Were the clothes of a king's son just my size
Ira Hayes,
Ira Hayes
CHORUS:
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Gather round me people there's a story I would tell
About a brave young Indian you should remember well
From the land of the Pima Indian
A proud and noble band
Who farmed the Phoenix valley in Arizona land
Down the ditches for a thousand years
The water grew Ira's peoples' crops
'Till the white man stole the water rights
And the sparklin' water stopped
Now Ira's folks were hungry
And their land grew crops of weeds
When war came, Ira volunteered
And forgot the white man's greed
CHORUS:
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
There they battled up Iwo Jima's hill,
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived to walk back down again
And when the fight was over
And when Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high
Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
CHORUS:
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Ira returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored; Everybody shook his hand
But he was just a Pima Indian
No water, no crops, no chance
At home nobody cared what Ira'd done
And when did the Indians dance
CHORUS:
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Then Ira started drinkin' hard;
Jail was often his home
They'd let him raise the flag and lower it
like you'd throw a dog a bone!
He died drunk one mornin'
Alone in the land he fought to save
Two inches of water in a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes
CHORUS:
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes
But his land is just as dry
And his ghost is lyin' thirsty
In the ditch where Ira died
Well I tell you a story about a good man
Who had many a problem before he reached dry land
It ain't easy for a good man to go down no it ain't easy for a good man to go down
On the earth there was trouble sorrow and pain
So the Lord said to Noah I'm gonna make it rain
It ain't easy for a good man to go down no it ain't easy for a good man to go down
Noah gathered his sons and the ark it was raised
Two by two came the animals that they might be saved
It ain't easy...
[ guitar ]
Well it rainded forty days and it rained forty nights
All the earth it was covered the mountains out of sight
It ain't easy for a good man to go down no it ain't easy for a good man to go down
When the waters receded and the earth it was dry
The Lord said to Noah go forth and multiply
It ain't easy for a good man to go down no it ain't easy for a good man to go down
Yes the Lord made a ranbow way up in the sky
He promised no flood would ever murder you and die
When I'm alone I often think of an old house on the hill
Of a big yard hedged in roses where we ran and played at will
And when the night time brought us home hushing our merry din
Mother would look around and ask are all the children in
Well it's been many a year now and the old house on the hill
No longer has my mother's care and the yard is still so still
But if I listen I can hear it all no matter how long it's been
I seem to hear my mother ask are all the children in
And I wonder when the curtain falls on that last earthly day
When we say goodbye to all of this to our pain and work and play
When we step across the river where mother so long has been
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found was blind but now I see
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed
When we've been there ten thousand years bright shining as the sun
Every time I look at you I fall in love, all over again
Every time I think of you it all begins, all over again
One little dream at night and I can dream all day
It only takes a memory to thrill me
One little kiss from you and I just fly away
Pour me out your love until you fill me
I wanna fall in love beginning from the start, all over again
Show me how you stole away my heart, all over again
One little dream at night and I can dream all day
It only takes a memory to thrill me
One little kiss from you and I just fly away
Pour me out your love until you fill me
I wanna fall in love beginning from the start, all over again
Show me how you stole away my heart, all over again
All over again, All over again, All over again, All over again
If heartaches brought fame, in love's crazy game
I'd be a legend in my time
If they gave gold statuettes for tears and regrets
I'd be a legend in my time
But they don't give awards and there's no praise or fame
For hearts that are broken for love that's in vain
If loneliness meant world acclaim
Everyone would know my name
I'd be a legend in my time
If heartaches brought fame, in love's crazy game
I'd be a legend in my time
If they gave gold statuettes for tears and regrets
I'd be a legend in my time
But they don't give awards and there's no praise or fame
For hearts that are broken for love that's in vain
If loneliness meant world acclaim
Everyone would know my name
I'd be a legend in my time
Accidentaly I saw you this morning you were lovely dressed in your wedding gown
And they say that you married a stranger to me that had drifted to our old hometown
Accidentaly you've met him one evening and you say it was love at first sight
Accidentaly on purpose you've married accidentaly on purpose for spite
Cause I saw out cheatin' and runnin' around
And I was just a fool with a heart of a clown
Accidentaly you were mistaken that night accidentaly on purpose for spite
[ guitar ]
Well I'm tired and so weary but I must go along
Till the Lord comes and calls calls me away oh yes
Well the morning's so bright and the lamb is the light
And the night night is as black as the sea oh yes
(There will be peace in the valley for me some day)
There will be peace in the valley for me dear Lord I pray
(There'll be no sadness no sorrow no trouble I see)
There will be peace in the valley for me (for me)
[ autoharp ]
Well the bear will be gentle and the wolf will be tame
And the lion shall lay down with the lamb oh yes
And the beast from the wild will be lead by a child
And I'll be changed changed from this creature that I am oh yes
I got rid of the shackles that bound me and the guards that were always around me
There were tears on the mail mother wrote me in jail
But I'm free from the chain gang now
All the years I was known and respected 'til one day I was wrongly suspected
I was shackled in chains in a cold freezin' rain but I'm free from the chain gang now
All the years I was known by a number how I kept my mind is a wonder
But like a bird in a tree I got my liberty and I'm free from the chain gang now
I got rid of the shackles that bound me and the guards that were always around me
There were tears on the mail mother sent me in jail
But I'm free from the chain gang now
There were tears on the mail mother wrote me in jail
I couldn't manage the problems I laid on myself
And it just made it worse when I laid them on somebody else
So I finally surrendered it all brought down in despair
I cried out for help and I felt a warm comforter there
And I came to believe in a power much higher than I
I came to believe that I needed help to get by
In childlike faith I gave in and gave him a try
And I came to believe in a power much higher than I
Nothing worked out when I handled it all on my own
And each time I failed it made me feel twice as alone
Then I cried, "Lord there must be a sure and easier way
For it just cannot be that a man should lose hope every day."
Oh, lord, help me walk
Another mile, just one more mile;
I'm tired of walkin' all alone.
And lord, help me to smile
Another smile, just one more smile;
Don't think I can do things on my own.
I never thought I needed help before;
Thought that I could get by - by myself.
But now I know I just can't take it any more.
And with a humble heart, on bended knee,
I'm beggin' You please for help
Oh come down from Your golden throne to me, to lowly me;
I need to feel the touch of Your tender hand.
Release the chains of darkness
Let me see, Lord let me see;
Just where I fit into your master plan.
I never thought I needed help before;
Thought that I could get by - by myself.
Now I know I just can't take it any more.
And with a humble heart, on bended knee,
I'm beggin' You please for help
With a humble heart, on bended knee,
Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed
Where the gun is cocked and the bullet's cold
Where the miles are marked in the blood and gold
I'll meet you further on up the road
Got on my dead man's suit and my smilin' skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots and a song to sing
I got a song to sing, it keeps me out of the cold
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way is dark and the night is cold
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin' my time
Searchin' through the dust, lookin' for a sign
If there's a light up ahead, well brother I don't know
But I got this fever burnin' in my soul
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
Refrain:
Four strong winds that blow long
Seven seas that run high
All these things that won't change
Come what may
Well, our good times are all gone
and I'm bound for movin' on
I'll look for you
If I'm ever back this way
Then I'll go out to Alberta
Weather's good there in the fall
got some friends that I could go
a workin' for
yet I wish you'd change your mind
If I ask you one more time
but we've been through this
a hundred times or more
Refrain
If I get there before the snow flies
and if things are lookin' good
you could meet me if I sent you down the fare
But by then it would be winter
Not much for you to do
And the winds can sure blow cold
A way out there
I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man was sittin' there.
I said, "Your old court house is kinda run down,
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town".
I said, "Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,
And that's a ragged old flag you got hangin' on it".
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down,
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town"
I said, "I think it is"
He said "I don't like to brag, but we're kinda proud of
That Ragged Old Flag
"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there,
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
and It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it,
writing "Say Can You See"
It got a rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson
tugging at its seams.
and It almost fell at the Alamo
beside the Texas flag,
But she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on
That Ragged Old Flag
"On Flanders Field in World War I,
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun,
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two,
She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent
by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
and now they've about quit wavin' back here at home
in her own good land here She's been abused,
She's been burned, dishonored, denied an' refused,
And the government for which she stands
Has been scandalized throughout out the land.
And she's getting thread bare, and she's wearin' thin,
But she's in good shape, for the shape she's in.
Cause she's been through the fire before
and i believe she can take a whole lot more.
"So we raise her up every morning
And we bring her down slow every night,
We don't let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up right.
On second thought
I *do* like to brag
Cause I'm mighty proud of
Go away from my window
Leave at your own chosen speed
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'm not the one you need
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who's never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'll only let you down
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who'll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes for you
Someone to close his heart
Someone to die for you and more
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
You say you're looking for someone
To pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
And to come each time you call
And will love you for your life and nothing more
But it ain't me, babe
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe
I was a highwayman, along the coach roads I did rideWith sword and pistol by my sideMany a young maid lost her baubles to my tradeMany a soldier shed his lifeblood on my bladeThe bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-fiveBut I am still alive
I was a sailor, I was born upon the tideAnd with the sea I did abideI sailed a schooner 'round the horn to MexicoI went aloft and furled the mainsail in a blowAnd when the yards broke off they said that I got killedBut I am living still
I was a dam builder across the river deep and wideWhere steel and water did collideA place called Boulder on the wild ColoradoI slipped and fell into the wet concrete belowThey buried me in that great tomb that knows no soundBut I am still around, I'll always be around and around and aroundAnd around and around and around
Everybody knows where you go when the sun goes down
I think you only live to see the lights of town
I wasted my time when I would try, try, try
When the lights have lost their glow you're gonna cry, cry, cry
I lie awake at night to wait till you come in
You stay a little while and then you're gone again
Every question that I ask I get a lie, lie, lie
For every lie you tell you're gonna cry, cry, cry
You're gonna cry, cry, cry and you'll cry alone
When everyone's forgotten and you're left on your own
You're gonna cry, cry, cry
Soon your sugar-daddies will all be gone
You wake up some cold day and find you're alone
You'll call for me but I'm gonna tell you bye, bye, bye
When I turn around and walk away you'll cry, cry, cry
When your fickle love gets old, no one will care for you
And you'll come back for me for a little love that's true
I'll tell you no and you're gonna ask me why, why, why
When I remind you of all of this and you'll cry, cry, cry
You're gonna cry, cry, cry and you'll want me then
It'll hurt when you think of all the fool you've been
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen prettiest girl we've ever seen)
There's a story in our town
Of the prettiest girl around
Golden hair and eyes of blue
How those eyes could flash at you (How those eyes could flash at you)
Boys hung 'round her by the score
But she loved the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen prettiest girl we've ever seen)
She was tops in all they said
It never once went to her head
She had everything it seems
Not a care, this teenage queen (Not a care, this teenage queen)
Other boys could offer more
But she loved the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen you should be a movie queen)
He would marry her next spring
Saved his money, bought a ring
Then one day a movie scout
Came to town to take her out (Came to town to take her out)
Hollywood could offer more
So she left the boy next door working at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen see you on the movie screen)
Very soon she was a star
Pretty house and shiny car
Swimming pool and a fence around
But she missed her old home town (But she missed her old home town)
All the world was at her door
All except the boy next door who worked at the candy store
(Dream on, dream on teenage queen saddest girl we've ever seen)
Then one day the teenage star
Sold her house and all her cars
Gave up all her wealth and fame
Left it all and caught a train (Left it all and caught a train)
Do I have to tell you more
She came back to the boy next door who worked at the candy store
Hear that lonesome whippoorwill?
He sounds too blue to fly.
The midnight train is whining low:
I'm so lonesome I could cry.
I've never seen a night so long,
When time goes crawling by.
The moon just went behind a cloud,
To hide its face and cry.
Did you ever see a Robin weep,
When leaves begin to die?
That means he's lost his will to live.
I'm so lonesome I could cry.
The silence of a falling star,
Lights up a purple sky.
And as I wonder where you are,
I'm so lonesome I could cry.
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die
I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl
Then I heard my dream was back downstream Cavortin' in Davenport
And I followed you, Big River, when you called
Then you took me to St. Louis later on down the river
A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, she's gone
I found her trail in Memphis but she just walked up the block
Raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf
I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world below
Yet there's no sickness, no toil, no danger
In that bright land to which I go
I'm going there to see my father
And all my loved ones who've gone home
I'm just going over Jordan
I'm just going over home
I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is hard and steep
But beauteous fields arise before me
Where God's redeemed their vigils keep
I'm going there to see my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
So I'm just going over Jordan
I'm just going over home
I'm just going over Jordan
I'm just going over home
Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same
Will it make it easier on you now
If youve got someone to blame
You said one love
One life
When its oone need
In the night
One love we get to share it
It leaves you baby if you dont care for it
Did i disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well its too late
Tonight
To drag the past out
Into the light
We're one but we're not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other
Have you come here for forgivness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play jesus
To the lepors in your head
Did i ask too much
More than a lot
You gave me nothing now
Its all i got
We're one but we're not the same
Well we hurt each other and we're doin it again
You said love is a temple
Love the higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
I cant be holdin on
To what youve got
When all youve got is hurt
One love
One blood
One life
Youve got to do what you should
One life with each other
Sister
Brothers
One life but we're not the same
We get to carry each other
Carry each other
Was on one cold winter's night
And the wind blew across the wild moor
Poor Mary came wand'ring with a child in her arms
And she stopped at her own father's door.
Oh, father, oh father, she cried
Come down and open the door
Or this child in my arms, will perish and die
From the winds that blow across the wild moor.
Oh why did I leave this fair spot
Where once I was happy and free
This wide world to roam, with no friends or no home
And no one to have pity on me.
But the father was deaf to her cry
Not the sound of her voice, did he hear
For the watch dogs did howl and the village bells tolled
And the winds blew across the wild moor.
Oh, how the old man must have felt
When he opened the door, the next morn'
And found Mary dead, but the child still alive
Clasped close in it's dead mother's arms.
In anguish, he pulled his gray hair
And the tears, down his cheeks, they did pour
When he saw how that night, they had perished and died
From the winds that blow across the wild moor.
The old man, his life, pined away
And the child, to it's mother, went soon
And no one they say, lives there to this day
And the old house, to ruin, has gone.
But the villagers point out the spot
And the willows droop over the door
Where poor mary died, once a sweet village bride
We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout
We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out
I'm goin' to Jackson, I'm gonna mess around
Yeah, I'm goin' to Jackson, look out Jackson town
Well, go on down to Jackson, go ahead and wreck your health
Go play your hand, you big-talkin' man, make a big fool of yourself
Yeah, go to Jackson, go comb your hair
Honey, I'm gonna snowball Jackson, see if I care
When I breeze into that city, people gonna stoop and bow
All them women gonna make me teach 'em what they don't know how
I'm goin' to Jackson, you turn-a loose-a my coat
'Cos I'm goin' to Jackson, "Goodbye," that's all she wrote
But they'll laugh at you in Jackson and I'll be dancin' on a pony keg
They'll lead you 'round town like a scalded hound
With your tail tucked between your legs
Yeah, go to Jackson, you big-talkin' man
And I'll be waitin' in Jackson, behind my Jaypan Fan
Well now, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout
We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out
I'm goin' to Jackson, and that's a fact
Yeah, we're goin' to Jackson, ain't never comin' back
Well, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout'
On A Monday I Was Ar-rested (Uh Huh)
On A Tuesday They Locked Me In The Jail (Oh Boy)
On A Wednesday My Trial Was At-tested
On A Thursday They Said Guilty And The Judge's Gavel Fell
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
And Them Chains --- Them Chains They're About To Drag Me Down
On A Monday My Momma Come To See Me
On A Tuesday They Caught Me With A File
On A Wednesday I'm Down In Solitary
On A Thursday I Start On Bread And Water For A While
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
And Them Chains --- Them Chains They're About To Drag Me Down
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
I Got Chains --- Chains Around My Feet
I Got Stripes --- Stripes Around My Shoulders
Well they're building a gallows outside my cell I've got 25 minutes to go
And the whole town's waitin' just to hear me yell I've got 24 minutes to go
Well they gave me some beans for my last meal I've got 23 minutes to go
But nobody asked me how I feel I've got 22 minutes to go
Well I sent for the governor and the whole dern bunch with 21 minutes to go
And I sent for the mayor but he's out to lunch I've got 20 more minutes to go
Then the sheriff said boy I gonna watch you die got 19 minutes to go
So I laughed in his face and I spit in his eye got 18 minutes to go
Now hear comes the preacher for to save my soul with 13 minutes to go
And he's talking bout' burnin' but I'm so cold I've 12 more minutes to go
Now they're testin' the trap and it chills my spine 11 more minutes to go
And the trap and the rope aw they work just fine got 10 more minutes to go
Well I'm waitin' on the pardon that'll set me free with 9 more minutes to go
But this is for real so forget about me got 8 more minutes to go
With my feet on the trap and my head on the noose got 5 more minutes to go
Won't somebody come and cut me loose with 4 more minutes to go
I can see the mountains I can see the skies with 3 more minutes to go
And it's to dern pretty for a man that don't wanna die 2 more minutes to go
I can see the buzzards I can hear the crows 1 more minute to go
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
At my door the leaves are falling
A cold wild wind will come
Sweethearts walk by together
And I still miss someone
I go out on a party
And look for a little fun
But I find a darkened corner
'Cause I still miss someone
No, I never got over those blue eyes
I see them everywhere
I miss those arms that held me
When all the love was there
I wonder if she's sorry
For leavin' what we'd begun
There's someone for me somewhere
Lord have mercy on me Was the kneeling drunkard's plea And as he knelt there on the ground I know that God in heaven looked down
I went down by an old country church I saw the drunkard stagger and lurch And as he reached his mother's grave I saw that drunkard kneel and pray
Lord have mercy on me Was the kneeling drunkard's plea And as he knelt there on the ground I know that God in heaven looked down
Bring my darling boy to me Was his mother's dying plea And as he staggered through the gate A lassie came just one day too late
Three years have passed since she went away Her son is sleeping beside her today And I know that in heaven his mother he'll see For God has heard that drunkard's plea
I got a friend named Whiskey Sam
He was my boonierat buddy for a year in Nam
He said is my country just a little off track
Took 'em twenty-five years to welcome me back
But, it's better than not coming back at all
Many a good man I saw fall
And even now, every time I dream
I hear the men and the monkeys in the jungle scream
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Drive on, don't mean nothin', drive on
I remember one night, Tex and me
Rappelled in on a hot L.Z
We had our 16's on rock and roll
But, with all that fire, I was scared and cold
We were crazy, we were wild
And I have seen the tiger smile
I spit in a bamboo viper's face
And I'd be dead , but by God's grace
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Drive on, don't mean nothin', drive on
It was a real slow walk in a real sad rain
And nobody tried to be John Wayne
I came home, but Tex did not
And I can't talk about the hit he got
I got a little limp now when I walk
Got a little tremolo when I talk
But my letter read from Whiskey Sam
You're a walkin' talkin' miracle from Vietnam
Drive on, it don't mean nothin'
My children love me , but they don't understand
And I got a woman who knows her man
Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a fish on a hook
Like a knight in some old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
And if I, if I have been unkind
I just hope you will let it go by
And if I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you
Like a baby stillborn
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out to me
But I swear by this song
And by all that I have done wrong
I'll make it all up to thee
I saw a young man leaning on his wooden crutch
He called out to me, "Don't ask for so much"
And a young woman leaning in her darkened door
She cried out to me, "Why not ask for more"
Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
when I hear that trumpet sound, I'm gonna rise right
out of the ground
ain't no grave can hold my body down
Well look way down the river, what do you think I see
I see a band of Angels and they're coming after me
ain't no grave can hold my body down
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
Well look down Yonder Gabriel, put you're feet on the
land and see,
but Gabriel don't you blow your trumpet till you hear
from me
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
ain't no grave can hold my body down
Well meet me Jesus meet me, meet me in the middle of
the air,
and if these wings don't fail me, I will meet you
anywhere
ain't no grave can hold my body down
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
Well meet me mother and father, meet me down the river
and momma you know that I'll be there when I check in
my load
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
There ain't no grave can hold my body down
I hear people laughin' on the corner by the square
The neon flickers on my wall and I know you're out there
I'm in your bed and listenin' for your footsteps down the hall
And I'll be waitin' for you after the ball
After the ball is over after the ball
If you cannot stand I've got a place for you to fall
The blinds're drawn and I have turned the clock face to the wall
I'll be waitin' for you after the ball
[ guitar ]
Lovin' you is sweet addiction I need only you
Just as long as you come back go do what you want to do
Give the night your laughter but I'll have you after all
I'll be waitin' for you after the ball
After the ball is over after the ball
If you cannot stand I've got a place for you to fall
The blinds're drawn and I have turned the clock face to the wall
I'll be waitin' for you after the ball
After the ball is over after the ball
If you cannot stand I've got a place for you to fall
The blinds're drawn and I have turned the clock face to the wall
I've got a lot of blues on my mind
and at least a million miles behind me
and all that I've got between me
and pauper's hill
is a wrinkled, crincked, wadded dollar bill.
Lake Michigan wind sure is cold
and I need me a jacket for my shoulders
I could buy one down at the surplus store
cheap cotton twill
with my wrinckled crinckled wadded dollar bill
But I'm not bound
and I never will
be to a wrinkled crinckled wadded dollar bill.
It sure smells good at the bakery
and I stand and let the smell flood over me
they sell them day old cakes mighty cheeply
I could eat my fill
with my wrinkled, crinkled wadded dollar bill
But I'm not bound
and I never will
be to a wrinkled, crinkled wadded dollar bill.
Lake Michigan waves hit the beach
and I stand and let them wash at my feet
and then I throw it just as far as I can
into the chill
my wrinkled, crinkled wadded dollar bill.
For I'm not bound
and I never will
be to a wrinkled crinkled wadded dollar bill.
No I'm not bound
and I never will
Would you lay with me in a field of stone
If my needs were strong would you lay with me
Should my lips grow dry would you wet them dear
In the midnight hour if my lips were dry
Would you go away to another land
Walk a thousand miles through the burning sand
Wipe the blood away from my dieing hand
If i gave my self to you
Would you bathe me with me in the stream of life
When the moon is full would you bathe with me
Will you still love me when i'm down and out
In my time of trials will you stand by me
Would you go away to another land
Walk a thousand miles through the burning sand
Wipe the blood away from my dieing hand
If i gave my self to you
Would you lay with me in a field of stone
There's a cross above the baby's bed,
A Saviour in her dreams.
But she was not delivered then,
And the baby became me.
There's a light inside the darkened room,
A footstep on the stair.
A door that I forever close,
To leave those memories there.
So when the shadows link them,
Into an evening sun.
Well first there's summer, then I'll let you in.
September when it comes.
I plan to crawl outside these walls,
Close my eyes and see.
And fall into the heart and arms,
Of those who wait for me.
I cannot move a mountain now;
I can no longer run.
I cannot be who I was then:
In a way, I never was.
I watch the clouds go sailing;
I watch the clock and sun.
Oh, I watch myself, depending on,
September when it comes.
So when the shadows link them,
And burn away the clouds.
They will fly me, like an angel,
To a place where I can rest.
When this begins, I'll let you know,
How many times have you heard some one say,
If I had his money I could do things my way?
But little they know that it's so hard to find,
one rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was winning in fortune and fame
everything that I dreamed for to get a start in lifes game,
then suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
but I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
or a friend when your lonely, or a love thats grown cold,
the wealthiest person is a pauper at times
compared to the man with a satisfied mind.
When life has ended and my time has run out,
my friends and my loved ones will leave theirs no doubt
but theeres one thing for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.
How many times have you heard some one say,
If I had his money I could do things my way?
But little they know that it's so hard to find,
Ride this train let me show you a land of rolling hills and tall corn
A land of hard working people where rewards are often very small
This is Pella Iowa
My mother and father brought me here in 1847 we came from Cork Ireland
We had a potato famine over there and things had been pretty rough for us
I remember during the potato famine in Ireland I'd trail along at father's feet
And we'd try to find enough potatoes for a meal
And we'd take em back in to mother and she'd cook em coats and all
Well finally we gave up and somehow we made it to America
Well our new neighbors here in Pella loaned father oxen
And ploughs to make his first crop with
And you never saw taller corn that year than it was on our place
The next season why we were even lendin' out ploughs and oxen to other farms
That's the way it was here in the new land
Everybody helped everybody out if you got sick everybody came to visit
Even the doctor wouldn't take pay if he thought you couldn't afford it
Well a man walked down by Galilee so the Holy Book does say
And a great multitude was gathered there without a thing to eat for days
Up stepped a little boy with the basket please take it Lord he said
And with just a five loaves and two little fishes five thousand had fish and bread
Who was it everybody (it was Jesus) who was it everybody (it was Jesus)
Who was it everybody (it was Jesus) it was Jesus Christ our Lord
Now pay close attention little children it's somebody you ought to know
It's all about a man that walked on earth nearly two thousand years ago
Well he healed the sick and afflicted it and he raised 'em from the dead
Then they nailed him on an old rugged cross and put thorns on his head
Who was it everybody...
Well they took him down and they buried him and after the third day
When they came to his tomb where they knew he was gone
Cause the stone was rolled away
He's not here for he is risen the angel of the Lord then said
And when they saw him walking with these nail-scared hands
They knew he came back from the dead
Down a dangerous road,i have come to where i'm standing
With a heavy heart,and my hat clutched in my hand
Such a foolish fool,God ain't known no greater sinner
I have come in search of Jesus,hoping he will understand
I had a woman once,she was kind and she was gentle
Had a child by me,who grew up to be a man
I had a steady job,til i started into drinking
And i started making music that went with the devil's band
Oh the years flew by like a mighty rush of eagles
My dreams and plans were all scattered in the wind
It's a lonesome life,when you lose the ones you live for
If i make my peace with Jesus will they take me back again
If i give my soul,will he cleanse these clothes i'm wearin'
If i give my soul,will he put new boots on my feet
If i bow my head and beg God for his forgiveness
Will he breathe new breath inside me and give back my dignity
If i give my soul,will he stop my hands from shaking
If i give my soul,will my son love me again
If i give my soul,and she knows i really mean it
If i give my soul to Jesus will she take me back again
Everybody loves a nut
The whole world loves a weirdo
Brain's are in a rut
But, everybody loves a nut
There was a hermit named Fred
Who kept a dead horse in his cave
And everyone said to Fred
"Fred, how come you keep a dead horse in your cave?"
And he said
"Well…"
Everybody loves a nut
The whole world loves a weirdo
Brain's are in a rut
But, everybody loves a nut
A Columbia man named Frank
Had a tiger named Hank
He tried to put Hank in his tank
Guess what happened to old Frank?
When they picked up his teeth, hair and eyeballs
Erected a tombstone that read:
Everybody loves a nut
The whole world loves a weirdo
Brain's are in a rut
But, everybody loves a nut
Another Columbia fella
Told Queen Isabella
I don't think the world is flat
Now what do you think about that?
And she said "You don't?"
And he said "No mamme"
And she said "You get outta my Queendom"
And he said "Yes mamme"
Everybody loves a nut
The whole world loves a weirdo
Brain's are in a rut
But, everybody loves a nut
Everybody loves a nut
The whole world loves a weirdo
Brain's are in a rut
Johnny Yuma was a rebel
He roamed through the west
Did Johnny Yuma, the rebel
He wandered alone
He got fightin' mad
This rebel lad
He packed no star
As he wandered far
Where the only law
Was a hook and a draw
The rebel, Johnny Yuma
He searched the land
This restless lad
He was panther quick
And leather tough
If he figured that
He'd been pushed enough
The rebel, Johnny Yuma
Fightin' mad
This rebel lad
With a dream he'd hold
'Til his dyin' breath
He'd search his soul
And gamble with death
Born to lose, I've lived my life in vain
Every dream has only brought me pain
All my life, I've always been so blue
Born to lose, and now I'm losing you
Born to lose, it seems so hard to bear
How I long to always have you near
You've grown tired, and now you say we're thru
Born to lose, and now I'm losing you
Born to lose, my every hope is gone
It's so hard to face an empty dawn
You were all the happiness I knew
Born to lose, and now I'm losing you
There's no use to dream of happiness
All I see is only loneliness
All my life, I've always been so blue
(When he reached down his hand for me)
Once my soul was astray from the heavenly way I was wretched and vile as could be
But my Saviour in love gave me peace from above
When he reached down his hand for me
When he reached down his hand for me when he reached way down for me
I was lost and undone without my God or his son
When he reached down his hand for me
[ guitar ]
I was near to despair when he came to me there
And he showed me that I could be free
Then he lifted my feet gave me gladness complete
When he reached down his hand for me
Two young cowboys went riding out one dark and windy dayUpon a ridge they rested as they went up on their wayWhen all at once a mighty herd of red eyed sheep they sawA plowing through the ragged sky and up the cloudy draw
Yippie yi yay, yippie yi oohGhost Riders in the skyYippie yi yay, yippie yi oohGhost Riders in the sky
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steelHis heart was black and shiny and his hot breath he could feelA bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the skyFor he saw his Rider coming hard and he heard his joyful cry
I got shoes you got shoes all God's children got shoes
When I get to heaven gonna put on my shoes
I'm gonna walk all over God's heaven heaven
Everybody talkin' bout heaven ain't goin' there heaven heaven
Gonna walk all over God's heaven
I got a robe, you got a robe all God's children got a robe
When I get to heaven gonna put on my robe
I'm gonna shout all over God's heaven heaven
Everybody talkin' bout heaven ain't goin' there heaven heaven
Gonna shout all over God's heaven
I got a harp, you got a harp all of God's children got a harp. Oh Glory
When I get to heaven gonna play on my harp
I'm gonna play all over God's heaven heaven
Everybody talkin' bout heaven ain't goin' there heaven heaven
Gonna play all over God's heaven
I forgot to remember to forget her
I can't seem to get her off my mind
I thought I'd never miss her
but I found out somehow
I think about her almost all the time
The day she went away
I made myself a promise
That I'd soon forget we'd ever met
But something sure is wrong
Cause I'm so blue and lonely
I forgot to remember to forget
(Piano)
The day she went away
I made myself a promise
That I'd soon forget we'd ever met
But something sure is wrong
Cause I'm so blue and lonely
Everybody says you let me down
I should be ashamed to take you 'round
Makes no difference what you used to do
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
Maybe you were reckless yesterday
But toghther, we can find a brighter way
In my heart, I know that you'll come through
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
All the happiness I've ever known
Came the day you said you'd be my own
And it matters not what we go through
Darlin', I could never be ashamed of you
Maybe you've been cheated in the past
And perhaps those memories will always last
Even though you proved to be untrue
In the long, hot, thirsty summer of about 32 A.D.
Along a dusty highway, there came a man of Galilee
And as he went through Samaria, he stopped at Jacob's well
And there he met a woman whose deep secrets he would tell
"Could I have a drink of water?", Soft and quietly asked he
And she said, "Sir, I'm Samaritan, how dare you speak to me?"
He said, "If you would ask of me than either son of man
Well, I think that I should tell you she's a go-er
And when she goes she won't come back no more
There ain't nothing like it when you've got her all alone
And there's not anything that can replace her when she's gone
Oh, I envy you until the day she walks back out your door
And that she's gonna do 'cause she's a go-er
Now don't let her stay too long she'll take the heart
Right out of your song, you'll pay the price for her one time
But she won't be back anymore, I just thought I'd tell you she's a go-er
Yes I guess, I should have told you she's a go-er
I should have told you that way back long before
But I was trying to overcome the pain she put me through
I was fightin' to forget her when she got around to you
Oh, you'll be Heaven high till she don't want you anymore
Then she'll be gone again cause she's a go-er
The shepherds afar left their flocks by night
Followed the new star by its heavenly light
Did the lambs fear the wolves did they lay down and sleep
Who kept the sheep who kept the sheep
Did robbers not steal or did they fear the light
That the shepherds had followed night after night
Did they not stray did little lambs weep who kept the sheep who kept the sheep
Under the new star the new Saviour lay in his dim manger he lay on the hay
The shepherds that came had a vigil to keep
(When I've learned enough to really live I'll be old enough to die old enough to die)
I've met the Master on my knees I was tested I was tried
I've seen the God of heaven paint the fields and country side
I've been the husband of one wife heard my newborn baby cry
But when I've learned enough to really live I'll be old enough to die old enough to die
I've always been a hard working man no stopping place have I found
But when I'm tired I'm still inspired at night when I lie down
I've learned to kinda like this earth some time I wonder why
Cause when I've learned enough to really live I'll be old enough to die
Old enough to die
(When I've learned enough to really live I'll be old enough to die old enough to die)
I've always been a hard working man...
Oh you wild raging river like my woman's lips you lure me
Pied piper of the desert roll on to the sea
You're the same at noon or midnight and I follow where you go
But you're planning no returning you wild Colorado
If I had no love of life I'd become part of your flow
But I fear the place you'd take me you wild Colorado
Oh you wild raging river from the fountains of the mountains
You ripple down the valleys growing wide and swift and deep
With what power you cut your canyons how long ago
You're as wayward as my woman you wild Colorado
If I had no love of life I'd become part of your flow
You dreamer you
Well, I dreamed, I walked in a field of flowers
Oh, what a dream
The houses all were silver towers
Oh, what a dream
Beside the road an angel sat
I said hello and tipped my hat
And stopped when I saw her smile
And set me down a while, I set me down a while
You dreamer you
Well, I tried the angel for a kiss
Oh, what a dream
But she turned away and my lips missed
Oh, what a dream
She said, "Sir, I'll have you know
I met you just a while ago
You're welcome for to sit
But calm yourself a bit, sir, calm yourself a bit"
You dreamer you
You dreamer you
I fell in love like one, two, three
Oh, what a dream
I asked the angel to marry me
Oh, what a dream
She said, "Sir, I can't marry you
But I'm a dream that can come true
There are dreams of much my worth
That live upon the earth, sir, live upon the earth"
You dreamer you
You dreamer you
Then I awoke and found my love
Oh, what a dream
As heavenly as the one above
Oh, what a dream
We'll marry in a sea of flowers
Home will be a silver tower
There'll be heaven in my life
With an angel for a wife, with an angel for a wife
WINGS IN THE MORNING
Johnny Cash
My grandfather lived by the book all his life
On rich-bottomed land with twelve kids and a wife
He never saw TV nor rode a jet plane
But he knew that heaven was holding his claim
CHORUS:
Wings in the morning and license to fly
Straight to the portals of nevermore die
Nevermore pain in them old aching bones
Wings in the morning to carry us home
The salt of the Earth yet with faith in the Lord
They all got together in that one accord
And what could be greater than God's guarantee
That man could have heaven for eternity?
CHORUS
Rocks in the road and we stumble and fall
Light's getting low so we can't see at all
But I promise you on that gettin' up day
Wings in the morning and we'll fly away
There's a wildwood in the pines where the family used to gather.
There's a little shady grove where they built a country church.
They was singing in the ground. Baptisin' in the river.
Glory! Hallelujah, brother! Sweet salvation there was found.
So I believe that the saints go side-by-side in the land that lies up yonder.
I believe that there are streets there paved with gold.
There are people on their feet shoutin', singin' hallelujah!
I believe that Jesus loves me. I can feel it in my soul.
There's a long and windin' road that I long once more to travel.
There's a home place in my heart sittin' high upon a hill.
There's a rosewood rockin' chair and a place set at the table.
Guess I better have a little talk with Jesus. Maybe he can take me there.
So I believe that the saints go side-by-side in the land that lies up yonder.
I believe that there are streets there paved with gold.
There are people on their feet shoutin', singin' hallelujah!
I believe that Jesus loves me. I can feel it in my soul.
So I believe that the saints go side-by-side in the land that lies up yonder.
I believe that there are streets there paved with gold.
There are people on their feet shoutin', singin' hallelujah!
Well, you said you had enough
You said that you were leaving
I said, shove off honey, baby I ain't grieving
Pack your bags and pull out this evening
There's a wide open road
Early this morning you were nowhere about
And so I seached the town, but you had done pulled out
I looked north, east and west and then a-leading south
I saw a wide open road
There's a wide open road
It's leading south from my abode
If you stick a round and turn your damper down
There's a wide open road
Well, the reason I was looking for you all over town
Was to tell you that your kitty cat is still around
And you left your wedding ring when you went down
That wide open road
If you're gonna stay away, then honey let me know
How to cook hot biscuits, how to roll the dough
Everything's gone crazy since I told you to go
Down the wide open road
There's a wide open road
And honey, I want you to know
You can look down south or you can turn back home
Why me Lord?
What have I ever done?
To deserve even one
Of the blessings I've known
Why me Lord?
What did I ever do?
That was worth love from You
And the kindness You've shown
Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am
Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand
Try me Lord
If You think there's a way
That I can repay
What I've taken from You
Maybe Lord
I could show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to You
Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am
Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand
Why do you punish me for loving you
You're counting my mistakes how about yours
Why do you sentence me too nice of tears
Convicting all these dreams I've dreamed for all these years
My heart cries out behind these prison bars
It pleads to you for your true love to set it free
Why do you punish me is love a crime
If so I'll spend the lifetime loving serving time
[ ac.guitar - piano ]
I have heard of a land on the far away strand
'Tis a beautiful home of the soul
Built by Jesus on high, there we never shall die
'Tis a land where we never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we'll never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we'll never grow old
In that beautiful home where we'll never more roam
We shall be in the sweet by and by
Happy praise to the king thru eternity sing
'Tis a land where we never shall die
When our work here is done and the life crown is won
And out troubles and trials are o'er
All our sorrows will end and our voices will blend
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall
be no more
And the morning breaks eternal bright and fair
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other
shore
And the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
When the roll is called up yonder when the roll is called
up yonder
When the roll is called up yonder when the roll is called
up yonder I'll be there
[ horns ]
Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting
Let us talk of all his wonderous love and care
And when all of life is over and our work on earth is
done
When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there
When the roll is called up yonder...
And I heard as it were the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying come and see and I saw
And behold a white horse
There's a man going around taking names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won't be treated all the same
There'll be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup?
Or disappear into the potter's ground
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to the big kettledrum
Voices calling, voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
It's alpha and omega's kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till Armageddon no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chickens home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to the big kettledrum
Voices calling and voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
It's alpha and omega's kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn tree
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
In measured hundred weight and penny pound
When the man comes around
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked and behold, a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was death
My papa was a hobo when they delivered me
We didn't have a doctor cause he couldn't pay the fee
But when the goin' got too bad to ease his misery
Papa played the dobro this a way and he'd go
[ dobro ]
When company would come around he kept the dobro hid
He knew he couldn't play the way the other players did
Why the guitar's resonator was a gallon bucket lid
But papa played the dobro this a way and he'd go
[ dobro ]
Well now that papa's gone away it's hanging by the flue
The top of it's rusted and the strings're rusty too
It won't ever sound the way that it did when it was new
When papa played the dobro this a way and he'd go
There are those who are taking vacations to the mountains the lakes and the sea
Where they rest from their cares and their troubles
What a wonderful time that must be
But it seems not my lot to be like them I must toil through the heat and the cold
Seekin' out the lost sheep on the mountains bringing wanderers back to the fold
But when I take my vacation in heaven what a wonderful time that will be
Hearing concerts by the heavenly chorus and the face of my Saviour I'll see
Sitting down on the banks of the river neath the shade of the evergreen tree
There I'll rest from my burdens forever won't you take your vacation with me
(Sitting down on the banks of the river under the shade of the evergreen tree)
Did you walk another mile, turn a frown with a smile?
Did you lift the lowly heart about to break?
Would you also give your cloak to one who took away your coat?
What on earth will you do for heaven's sake?
Did you feed the poor in spirit and befriend the prosecuted?
Will you show the bounds that all the chains can break?
Did you sow the proper seed? Are you keeping out the weeds?
What on earth will you do for heaven's sake?
Will you be one of the meek, did you turn the other cheek?
Would you give a little more than you would take?
Did you shine your little light upon the children of the night?
What on earth will you do for heaven's sake?
Did you feed the poor in spirit and befriend the prosecuted?
Will you show the bounds that all the chains can break?
Did you sow the proper seed? Are you keeping out the weeds?
What is man that you are mindful of him Lord
You made the stars, you made the sun
And all the worlds that came to be at your command
What is man? What has he done?
Then you crown him with glory and with honor
Give him dominion over land and sea and air
And store up an inheritance in heaven
Oh what is man that you would care?
What is man that you would let him live at all
To shed the blood of his own kind
And ever fail to even follow where you call
What is man? Why do you mind?
Yet you crown me with glory and with honor
Give me dominion over land and sea and air
And store up my inheritance in heaven
Oh, what is man, that you care?
There's a stool along the road to freedom
Like a gypsy in a guilty cage
But rising has not always been bright
Destiny dreams are made
My days all run together
Like a timeless honeycomb
I find myself wishing I could drink again
Water from the wells of home
Water from the wells of home
Water from the wells of home
I've seen all your shining cities
Lean against the yellow sky
I've seen the down, and I'll get better
I've seen many of strong men die
Well, the troubled hearts in the worried men
Things that I've been showed
Keep me always returning to
Water from the wells of home
Water from the wells of home
Water from the wells of home
I want to come back some day
To the water from the wells of home
Lord, take me back someday
To the water from the wells of home
I want to come back some day
To the water from the wells of home
I want to come back some day
To the water from the wells of home
All around the water tank waitin' for a train
A thousand miles away from home sleeping in the rain
I walked up to a brakeman just to give him a line of talk
He said if you've got money I'll see that you don't walk
Well I haven't got a nickel not a penny can I show
He said get off you railroad bum and he slammed the boxcar door
[Piano instrumental]
Well he put me off in Texas a place I dearly love
The wide open spaces all around me the moon and stars above
Nobody seems to want me nor to lend me a helping hand
I'm on my way from Frisco headin' back to Dixie Land
My pocketbook is empty my heart is willed with pain
Don't call my name out your window, I'm leavin'
I won't even turn my head
Don't sent your kinfolks to give me no talkin'
I'll be gone, like I said
You'd just say the same old things that you be sayin' all along
Just lay there in your bed and keep your mouth shut
'Til I'm gone
Don't give me that old familiar cryin' cussin' moan
Understand your man
I'm tired of you bad mouthin'
Understand your man
You can give my other suit to the salvation army
And everything else, I leave behind
I ain't takin' nothin' that'll slow down my travelin'
While I'm untangelin' my mind
I ain't gonna repeat, what I said anymore
While I'm breathin' air that ain't been breath before
I'll be as gone as a wild goose in winter
Then you'll understand your man
Meditate on it
Understand your man
You hear me talkin'?
Understand your man
You remember what I told you?
I woke up this morning in a terrible mood
Now you talk about a woman treatin' a good man rude
She had me talkin' to myself gazin' at that mean ol' wall
She had another daddy waitin' down at the end of the hall
She changed with the weather like the leaves I recall
She blossoms in the spring but then she's gone in the fall
A two timin' woman with a heart of solid stone
She tells me that she loves me but her heart's a little undergrown
Well she drifts around the country like a steamboat on a foam
She said she'd never leave me but she got the urge to roam
She never changes course she just goes along that same ol' way
Well I hope she keeps a driftin' rolls back home someday
Cause if I ever find her gonna chain her to the floor
And tell her now sit there woman you ain't leavin' no more
I'm gonna tame you mama till you're eatin' from my hand
On the first day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
A partridge
In a pear tree
On the second day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the third day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the fourth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the fifth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the sixth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the seventh day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Seven swans
A-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the eighth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the ninth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the tenth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the eleventh day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
I sent eleven
Pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
On the twelfth day
Of Christmas
My true love
Sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtledoves
And a partridge
In a pear tree
And a partridge
(Spoken) He rode easy in the saddle. He was tall and lean, and at first you'd a-thought nothing but a streak of mean could make a man look so down right strong, but one look in his eyes and you knowed you was wrong. He was a mountain of a man, and I want you to know. He could preach hot hell in freezin' snow. He carried a Bible in a canvas sack and folks just called him The Reverend Mr. Black. He was poor as a beggar, but he rode like a king. Sometimes in the evening, I'd hear him sing:
Chorus:
I gotta walk that lonesome valley. I got to walk it by myself. Oh nobody else can walk it for me. I got to walk it by myself.
You got to walk that lonesome valley. You got to walk it by yourself. Oh nobody else can walk it for you. You got to walk it by yourself.
If ever I could have thought this man in black was soft and had any yellow up his back, I gave that notion up the day a lumberjack came in and it wasn't to pray. Yeah, he kicked open the meetin' house door and he cussed everybody up and down the floor! Then, when things got quiet in the place, he walked up and cusses in the preacher's face! He hit that Reverend like a kick of a mule and to my way of thinkin' it took a pure fool to turn the other cheek to that lumber jack, but that's what he did, The Reverend Mr. Black. He stood like a rock, a man among men and he let that lumberjack hit him again, and then with a voice as quiet as could be, he cut him down like a big oak tree when he said:
(Chorus)
It's been many years since we had to part and I guess I learned his ways by heart. I can still hear his sermon's ring, down in the valley where he used to sing. I followed him, yes, sir, and I don't regret it and I hope I will always be a credit to his memory 'cause I want you to understand. The Reverend Mr. Black was my old man!
Yes, went they through the Lehigh Valley
To Lake Erie past Virginia
And the land called out its challenge
Bring your men to match our mountains
See the green Ohio Valley
See the Cumberland, the Wabash
On the Tennessee they floated
On great rafts to the Mississippi
And the Cherokee and Shawnee
And the Creek and The Ojibwa
And the Choctaw and the Quapaw
And all the tribes along the rivers
[Incomprehensible] that they were coming
That the white man was upon them
They built their homes along the rivers
Built their churches, brought their preachers
Came upon the white misery
Stopped before the shining mountains
Many died from the beginning
For the freedom of America
And to all the girls I've loved before
Who traveled in and out my door
I'm glad they came along, I dedicate the song
To all the girls I've loved before
And to all the girls I once caressed
And may I say I've held the best
They live within my heart, they'll always be a part
To all the girls I've loved before
The winds of change are always blowing
Every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away
To all the girls who shared my life
Who now are someone else's wives
For helping me to grow, I owe a lot I know
To all the girls I've loved before
The winds of change are always blowing
Every time I try to stay
The winds of change continue blowing
And they just carry me away
To all the girls I've loved before
Who traveled in and out my door
I'm glad they came along, I dedicate the song
John:Ive got arms
June:And ive got arms
Lets get together and use those arms
June:Lets gooooo
Times a wasting
John:Ive got lips
June:And ive got lips
Lets get together and use those lips
June:Lets gooooo
Times a wasting
June:A cake's no good if you dont mix the batter and bake it.
John:And love's just a bubble if you dont take the trouble to make it.
So if your free to go with me il take you quiker than 1,2,3
June:Lets gooooo
Times a wasting
John:Ive got arms
June:And ive got arms
Lets get together and use those arms
June:Lets gooooo
Times a wasting
John:Ive got lips
June:And ive got lips
Lets get together and use those lips
June:Lets gooooo
Times a wasting
June:A cake's no good if you dont mix the batter and bake it.
John:And love's just a bubble if you dont take the trouble to make it.
So if your free to go with me il take you quiker than 1,2,3
June:Lets gooooo
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
Away like a bird you have flown and upon a wild wind you were blown
Where you're bound I don't know nor the way that you go
But the wonderlust beckons you on
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
The wind sings its song in the tree but the wind song is never for me
When followin' your track the wind's at your back
Makin' whirlwinds where you used to be
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
[ mandocello ]
The wind quietly hides in the night and it rises again with the light
But the days never fly they're slow to go by
And like you there's something I can't fight
Yes the wind changes and one morning early a good wind will be blowing for me
You've cut out your dancing'
And you never see a show
Friends drop by to pick you up
And you hardly ever go
It seems your head in in the clouds above
You've got the ways of a woman in love
I walk by your house at night
In the hopes that I might see
The guy who's got you in a spin
I wish that guy was me
I don't know why it's you I'm dreamin' of
You've got the ways of a woman in love
Many is the night
I've stayed awake and cried
Now you'll never know how much
You've hurt my foolish pride
I recall your kisses
The times I held you tight
Now when I come to see you
You're sittin' in the light
Missing all the things that we dreamed of
(Troubadour troubadour troubadour)
The troubadour the troubadour sings from his heart
The song that's the hit of the show
Watch him sing and play the strings of his guitar alone in the bright spotlight's glow
The song was for someone he loved so true
Who loved him then left him for someone new
The troubaour the troubadour smile as he sings but his heart is breaking in two
[ guitar ]
They beg for more the troubadour sings once again
The song that's the hit of the show
Watch him sing and play the strings of his guitar alone in the bright spotlight's glow
There is a hush in the darkened hall a few hearts are heavy and teardrops fall
But in the crowd one head is bowed for the troubadour
And oh her heart aches most of all
Sequoia's winters were sixteen silent tongue spirit clean
He walked at his father's side
Across the smoking battle ground where red and white men lay all around
So many here had died
The wind had scattered around snow white leaves upon the ground
Not leaves like leaves from trees
Sequoia said what can this be what's the strange thing here I see
From where come leaves like these
Sequoia turned to his father's eyes and he said father you're wise
From where come such snow white leaves
With such strange marks upon these squares
Not even the wise owl could put them there
So strange these snow white leaves
His father shielding his concern resenting the knowledge Sequoia yearned
Crumbled the snow white leaves
He said when I explain then it's done these are talking leaves my son
The white men's talking leaves
The white man takes a berry of black and red
And an eagle's feather from the eagle's bed
And he makes bird track marks
And the marks on the leaves they say carry messages to his brother far away
And his brother knows what's in his heart
They see these marks and they understand the truth in the heart of the far off man
The enemies can't hear them
Said Sequoia's father son they weave bad medicine on these talking leaves
Leave such things to them
Then Sequoia walking lightly followed his father quietly but so amazed was he
If the white man talks on leaves why not the Cherokee
Vanished from his father's face Sequoia went from place to place
But he could not forget
Year after year he worked on and on till finally he cut into stone
The Cherokee alphabet
Sequoia's hair by now was white his eyes began to lose their light
But he taught all who would believe
That the Indian's thoughts could be written down
Now this here’s the story about the Rock Island Line.
Well the Rock Island Line she runs down into New Orleans.
There’s a big toll gate down there and you know if you got certain things on board when you go through the toll gate - Well you don’t have to pay the man no toll.
Well the train driver he pulled up to the toll gate and the man hollered and asked him what all he had on board and he said,
“I got live stock, I got live stock, I got cows I got pigs
I got sheep I got mules I got … all live stock”.
Well he said “you all right boy, you don’t have t’pay no toll.
You can just go right on through”.
So he went on through the toll gate
And as he went through he started pickin up a little bit of speed,
pickin up a little bit of steam.
He got on through he turned he looked back to the man he said
"Well I fooled you, I fooled you I got pig iron I got pig iron I got all pig iron".
Down the Rock Island Line she’s a mighty road
The rock Island Line it’s a road to ride
The rock island line it’s a mighty good road
Well if you ride you got to ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line.
Oh cloudy in the west and it looked like rain.
Around the curve come a passenger train,
north bound train on the south bound track.
He did alright leaving but he won’t be back.
Well the Rock Island Line she’s a mighty road
The rock Island Line it’s a road to ride
The rock island line it’s a mighty good road
Well if you ride you got to ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line.
Oh I may be right and I may be wrong but you gonna miss me when I’m gone.
Well the engineer said before he died that there where 2 more drinks that he’d like to try Conductor said "what could they be" - A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass'a tea.
Well the Rock Island Line she’s a mighty road
The rock Island Line it’s a road to ride
The rock island line it’s a mighty good road
Well if you ride you got to ride it like you find it
I'm gonna take a trip
In the old gospel ship;
I'm going far beyond the sky.
I'm gonna shout and sing,
Until heavens ring,
when I bidding this world goodbye.
If you are ashamed of me
You have no cause to be
for with Christ I am an Air
When my ship comes in
I will leave this world of sin
And go sailing through the air
I am gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship
I am going far beyond the sky
Oh I am gonna shout and sing
Until heavens ring
when I bid this world goodbye
Ohhh and if you look up toward the sky
you might see me passing by
there is no telling, no telling where I will be
and you will not have to wait no more
cause it is too for you I am on board
and they told me we all that is free
Ohhh I am gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship
I am going far beyond the sky
And I shout and sing
Until heavens bring
when I bid this all world goodbye
the ship will make no stops
and on board there will be no cops
we are going far beyond the sky
hey we all jump up and down
and dance till that happy sound
let's bid this world goodbye
heyy
I am gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship
I am going far beyond the sky, the sky
I am gonna shout and sing
Until heavens bring
when I bid this world goodbye, Goodbye
I am gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship
I am going far beyond the sky
I am gonna shout and sing
Until heavens bring
(F.M. Graham)
Long ago (down on my knees)
Long ago (I setted it all)
Yes, the old account was settled long ago; (Hallelujah!)
And the record's clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.
There was a time on earth,
When in the book of Heav'n
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiv'n;
My name was at the top,
And many things below,
I went unto the keeper,
And settled long ago.
Long ago (down on my knees)
Long ago (I setted it all)
Yes, the old account was settled long ago; (Hallelujah!)
And the record's clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.
The old account was large,
And growing ev'ry day,
For I was always sinning,
And never tried to pay;
But When I looked ahead,
And saw such pain and woe,
I said that I would settle,
I settled long ago.
Long ago (down on my knees)
Long ago (I setted it all)
Yes, the old account was settled long ago; (Hallelujah!)
And the record's clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.
When in that happy home,
My Saviour's home above,
I'll sing redemption's story,
And praise Him for His love;
I'll not forget that book,
With pages white as snow,
Because I came and settled,
And settled long ago.
Long ago (down on my knees)
Long ago (I setted it all)
Yes, the old account was settled long ago; (Hallelujah!)
And the record's clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
Harry Truman was our president
A coke an burger cost you thirty cents
I was still in love with Mavis Brown
On the night Hank Williams came to town.
"I Love Lucy" debuted on TV
That was one big event we didn't see
'Cause no one stayed at home for miles around
It was the night Hank Williams came to town.
Mama ironed my shirt and daddy let me take the truck
I drove on out to Grapevine and picked old Mavis up
We hit that county line for one quick round
On the night HANK WILLIAMS came to town.
A thousand people sweltered in the gym
Then I heard someone whisper; "Hey, that's him"
That's when the crowd let out this deafening sound
It was the night Hank Williams came to town.
On and on he sang into the night
'Jambalaya', 'Cheatin' heart', 'I saw the light'
How'd they get Miss Audrey in that gown
On the night Hank Williams came to town.
Mavis had her picture made with Hank outside his car
She said; "He sure is humble for a Grand Ole Opry Star."
Mavis said: "Why don't we hang around
It ain't often that Hank Williams comes to town."
While Hank signed his autograph on Beaulah Rice's fan
Mavis got acquainted with the Driftin' Cowboys Band
The effect on all our lives was quite profound
The crowd is waiting for the bullfight
Matador
My final fight the place is packed once more
But Anita won’t throw me a rose this fight
The one she wears is not for me tonight
She’s watching now with her new love I know
Walk proud and slow
Be strong and sure give the crowd a show
They want blood you know!
You’re still their idol as you were before
Kill just one more!
Remind Anita, you’re the greatest Matador
The time has come, forget Anita in the stands
Be a tall and strong and brave and noble man
Be better than you’ve never been before
Make this your greatest moment Matador
She’s watching now with her new love I know
Walk proud and slow
Be strong and sure give the crowd a show
They want blood you know!
You’re still their idol as you were before
Kill just one more!
And I heard as it were the noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying, "Come and see",
And I saw and behold a white horse
There's a man going around taking names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won't be treated all the same
There will be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around
The hairs on your arm will stand up
At the terror in each sip and in each sup
Will you partake of that last offered cup
Or disappear into the potter's ground?
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to the big kettledrum
Voices calling, voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
It's Alpha and Omega's kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
Till Armageddon, no shalam, no shalom
Then the father hen will call his chicken's home
The wise man will bow down before the throne
And at his feet they will cast their golden crowns
When the man comes around
Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still
Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still
Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still
Listen to the words long written down
When the man comes around
Hear the trumpets, hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singing
Multitudes are marching to the big kettledrum
Voices calling, voices crying
Some are born and some are dying
It's Alpha and Omega's kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn trees
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks
In measured hundred weight and penny pound
When the man comes around
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked and behold, a pale horse
And his name that sat on it was Death
And Hell followed with him
The lady came from Baltimore and all she wore was lace.
She didn't know that I was poor, she never saw my place.
I was there to steal her money, to take her rings and run.
Then I fell in love with the lady and got away with none.
The lady's name was Susan Moore, her daddy read the law.
She didn't know that I was poor, and lived outside the law.
Her daddy said I was a thief and didn't marry her for love.
But I was Susan's true belief, and I married her for love
I was there to steal her money, to take her rings and run.
Then I fell in love with the lady and got away with none.
The house she lived in had a wall to keep the robbers out.
She never stopped to think at all, that that's what I'm about.
I was there to steal her money, to take her rings and run.
Then I fell in love with the lady and got away with none.
Sunshine and showers and everything comin' up daisies
Oh what a good thing we had gone bad oh what a good thing we had
Driveins and picnics end every day was Saturday
Oh what a good thing we had gone bad oh what a good thing we had
The whole wide world was jealous we wouldn't hear a thing they'd tell us
Never did need any money everything was milk and honey
Oh long walks by the river talkin' bout living together
Oh what a good thing we had gone bad oh what a good thing we had
[ piano - guitar ]
Long weeks of waitin' and livin' for the day we marry
Oh what a good thing we had gone bad oh what a good thing we had
Happiness and laughter we found everything we were after
Oh what a good thing we had gone bad oh what a good thing we had
The whole wide world was jealous...
I heard the laughter at the depot
But my tears fell like the rain
When I saw them place that long white casket
In the baggage coach of the evening train
The baby's eyes are red from weeping
Its little heart is filled with pain
Oh Daddy cried they're taking Mama
Away from us on the evening train
As I turned to walk away from the depot
It seemed I heard her call my name
Take care of my baby and tell him darling
That I'm going home on the evening train
I pray that God will give me courage
To carry on 'til we meet again
It's hard to know she's gone forever
I think sir the battle is over, and the young soldier lay down his gun.
Im tired of running for cover, Im certain the battle is done.
For see over there where we fought them, its quite for theyve all gone away.
All left is the dead and the dying, the blue lying long side the grave.
So you think the battle is over, and you even lay down your gun.
You carelessly rise from your cover, for you think the battle is done.
Now boy hit the dirt, listen to me, for Im still the one in command.
Get flat on the ground here beside me, and lay your heart to the sand.
Can you hear the deafening rumble, can you feel the trembling ground.
Its not just the horses and wagons that make such a deafening sound.
For every shot fired had an echo and every man killed wanted life.
There lies your friend Jim McKinney, can you take the news to his wife?
No son the battles not over, the battle has only begun.
The rest of the battle will cover the part that has blackened the sun.
The fight yet to come is not with cannon, nor will the fight be hand-to-hand
No one will regroup the forces, no charge will a general command.
The battle will rage in the bosom of mother and sweetheart and wife.
Brother and sister and daughter will grieve for the rest of their lives.
Now go ahead, rise from your cover, be thankful that God let you live.
Go fight the rest of the battle for those who gave all they could give.
I see sir the battles not over, the battle has only begun
The rest of the battle will cover this part that has blackened the sun.
For though theres no sound of the cannon and though theres no smoke in the sky.
Ira Hayes,
Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Gather round me people there's a story I would tell
About a brave young Indian you should remember well
From the land of the Pima Indian
A proud and noble band
Who farmed the Phoenix valley in Arizona land
Down the ditches for a thousand years
The water grew Ira's peoples' crops
'Till the white man stole the water rights
And the sparklin' water stopped
Now Ira's folks were hungry
And their land grew crops of weeds
When war came, Ira volunteered
And forgot the white man's greed
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
There they battled up Iwo Jima's hill,
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived to walk back down again
And when the fight was over
And when Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high
Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Ira returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored; Everybody shook his hand
But he was just a Pima Indian
No water, no crops, no chance
At home nobody cared what Ira'd done
And when did the Indians dance
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Then Ira started drinkin' hard;
Jail was often his home
They'd let him raise the flag and lower it
like you'd throw a dog a bone!
He died drunk one mornin'
Alone in the land he fought to save
Two inches of water in a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes
But his land is just as dry
And his ghost is lyin' thirsty
Saw a girl in Tampa I asked her for a date
She said baby I'm a sailor this thing better waits
I said I don't believe you would you show me some proof
She showed me her tattoo then I knew that that's the truth
Met a woman on a highway by the exit sign
You'd bet your last dollar that she was forty-nine
But she swored to me that she was still in her youth
When I turned down the lights I knew that that's the truth
Had a girl on a border I guess she was shy never spoke a word in years not even hi
But one night she said honey we're gonna raise the roof
She put on some dancin' shoes then I knew that that's the truth
I knew a preacher's daughter in fact I knew her well
He said son you better ramble unless you've got somethin' to sell
It's an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
There was a showdown at high noon, reputations on the line,
It was the good guys and the bad guys, I was eight and he was nine,
and I forgot to keep my back to the wall and dodge that day,
and from somewhere behind me, I heard him say:
That's one you owe me, I let you slide,
I can't backshoot a buddy it goes against my pride,
so like two desperados we'll ride off in the sun,
but just remember, you owe me one.
It was highschool and football, on two different teams,
I was good but he was better than I would ever be,
and when I finally crossed the goal line, ahead of him that day,
as the crowd was going wild I heard him say:
That's one you owe me, I let you slide,
I can't backshoot a buddy it goes against my pride,
so like two desperados we'll ride off in the sun,
but just remember, you owe me one.
She was long and lean and pretty, and soon to be his bride,
when she strayed into my arms one day with loving on her mind,
well I was almost tempted by her soft touch and her sigh,
but the next time I saw him I could look him in the eye.
That's one YOU owe me, I let you slide,
I can't backshoot a buddy it goes against my pride,
so like two desperados we'll ride off in the sun,
but just remember, you owe me one.
That's one you owe me, I let you slide,
I can't backshoot a buddy it goes against my pride,
so like two desperados we'll ride off in the sun,
(Chorus) That old wheel is gonna roll around once more
When it does it will even up the score
Don’t be weak: as they sew, they will reap
Turn the other cheek and don’t give in
That old wheel will roll around again
When love is gone and the one you thought would stay
Does you wrong, and you’re left alone to pay
The price is high
But somehow you’ll survive, don’t give in
That old wheel will roll around again
(Chorus)
There’ll be times, hard to control
And you’ll find you’ll hurt down in your soul
There’ll be those who’ll be glad to see you down
But don’t give in, that old wheel will roll around again
(Chorus x 2)
Up in the mornin', out on the job
Work like the devil for my pay.
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Had a fuss with my woman, an' I toil for my kids,
An' I sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray,
While that lucky old sun got nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day.
Oh, Lord above, don't you hear me cryin'
Tears are rollin' down my eyes.
Send in a cloud with a silver linin',
Take me to paradise.
Show me that river, Take me across,
wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun give me nothing to do
You're tellin' everyone in town that I don't treat you right
You even say I stay away and don't come home at night
I'm losing you and you are all I've got
Thanks a lot
Thanks a lot
It seems you like to hurt me and you know I'm good to you
I'd give you anything I owned, do anything you want me to
And now you've really got me on the spot
Thanks a lot
Thanks a lot
Still I would forgive you if you'd let me
I'd be glad if we could try again
But it seems that you're just out to get me
And it looks as if you're just about to win
No matter what you do I always will love you
And you will never know how it hurts to see you go
And for calling me those things you know I'm not
Thanks a lot
Thanks a lot
No matter what you do I always will love you
And you will never know how it hurts to see you go
You say I'm happy but you know I'm not
Thanks a lot
Thanks a lot
I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound)
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Well I'm back on your side of the tracks
Have come back for me to take you back
Back to your high society to your coctails and your teas
I'll look up but don't look down cause we got pride in Shantytown
I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound)
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
[ ac.guitar ]
Behind the walls of your shackled heart beats pure
While the rich have a love to endure
Well is the gold in your crown turning black
Is there something here in Shantytown that keeps you coming back
I live down in Shantytown where chicken's twenty cents a pound)
And if you live on such solid ground whatcha doin' down in Shantytown
Many years ago in days of childhood I used to play till evening time would come
Still winding down that old familiar pathway I hear my mother call at setting sun
Come home come home it's suppertime the shadows lengthen fast
Come home come home it's suppertime we're going home at last
Some of the fondest mem'ries of my childhood are woven around suppertime
When mother used to call from the backsteps of the old homeplace
Come on home now son it's suppertime my how I'd love to hear that once again
But you know time has woven for me a realization of truth that's even more thrilling
That someday we'll be called up to gather around the suppertable up there
For the greatest suppertime of them all with our Lord
I can almost hear the call now comin' from the portals of heaven
Come home son it's suppertime come on home
Well, now sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at supper time
Be my little sugar and love me all the time
Honey in the morning, honey in the evening, honey at supper time
Be my little honey and love me all the time
Put your arms around me, swear by stars above
You'll be mine forever in the heaven of love
Sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at supper time
Be my little sugar and love me all the time
Now sugar time is anytime that you're near
Oh, you're so dear
Now don't you roam just be my honeycomb
And live in a heaven of love
Well, sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at supper time
Be my little sugar and love me all the time
Honey in the morning, honey in the evening, honey at supper time
As I walked out on the streets of Laredo
As I walked out on Laredo one day
I spied a young cowboy wrapped in white linen
All wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay
Beat the drum slowly, play the Fife lowly
Play the dead march as you carry me along
Take me to the green valley, lay the sod o'er me
For I'm a young cowboy and I know I've done wrong
Then go write a letter and send it to my gray haired mother
And please send the same to my sister so dear
But please not one word of all this would you mention
When others should ask for my story to hear
There is another, more dear than a sister
She'll bitterly weep when she hears that I'm gone
And if some other man ever wends her affection
Don't mention my name, and my name will pass on
Just beat the drum slowly, play the Fife lowly
Play the dead march as you carry me along
Take me to the green valley, lay the sod o'er me
For I'm a young cowboy and I know I've done wrong
Get six jolly cowboys to carry my coffin
Get six pretty maidens to sing me a song
Put bunches of roses all over my coffin
Roses to deaden the clods when they fall
We beat the drum slowly, played the Fife lowly
We better lay wept as we bore him along
Down in the green valley, we laid the sod o'er him
I've got no fire inside of me can't be the man I try to be
Oh Mr Lonesome hanging round
Don't wanna see nobody don't wanna be nobody
Oh Mr Lonesome got me down
He makes me leave the party when folks are laughin' hearty
Happiness is one thing he can't stand
Nobody wants or needs me I go just where he leads me
Oh Mr Lonesome got my hand
And so my whole life over each day is like the other but still if my one wish could be
If that old chain that binds me breaks when true love finds me
well, the readin' and the writtin' and arithmatic
never did get through to me
it ain't because i'm square or thick
'cause i learned my ABC's
but when i graduated from the grammer school
and i moved one grade above
i began to be a snook at books
but i made straight A's in love
now the teacher would say
to learn your algebra
but i'd bring home C's and D's
how could i make an A
when there's a swingin' maid
on the left and on the right
and in the back and the front of me
oh, my grades are low
on my card i know
but they oughta give me one above
if they'd give me a mark
for learnin' in the dark
i'd have straight A's in love
now in my senior year
with graduation near
i did my homework everynight
and when my momma said
i oughta go to bed
i turn out all the lights
but my sweetie pie
was waitin' right outside
she'd be a cooin' like a dove
though i did my best
i failed semester test
but made straight A's in love
now the teacher would say
to learn your algebra
but i'd bring home C's and D's
how could i make an A
when there's a swingin' maid
on the left and on the right
and in the back and the front of me
oh, my grades are low
on my card i know
but they oughta give me one above
if they'd give me a mark
for learnin' in the dark
Jesus I don't wanna die alone Jesus oh Jesus I don't wanna die alone
My love wasn't true Now all I have is you
Jesus oh Jesus I don't wanna die alone
Jesus If you hear my last breath
Don't leave me here Left to die a lonely death I know I have sinned but Lord I'm suffering
Jesus Oh Jesus If you hear my last breath
Jesus I don't wanna die alone Jesus oh Jesus I don't wanna die alone
My love wasn't true Now all I have is you
Jesus Oh Jesus I don't wanna die alone
Jesus Jesus All my troubles All My pain Will leave me Once again
All my troubles All my pain Will leave me once again
South- wind
You picked her up in Jacksonville
And left me cold and lonesome in the rain
South- wind
You took her off to Nashville
Left me chokin' in the smoke behind the train
And you go whoooo-wooo-hoo
She's gone a- gain on the South- wind.
Southwind
I need a forty-dollar ticket
And about this time tomorrow I'll be gone
Southwind
But if I had forty dollars
I would by myself a smile to carry on
And you go whoooo-wooo-hoo
She's gone again on the Southwind.
Southwind
Take her fast and take her far
'Cause that's the way she always likes to go
Southwind
I will be waitin' for the round trip
If you'll bring her back and I done told her so
Don't you go whoooo-wooo-hoo
Added to their thirteen colonies
Tennessee, Vermont, Kentucky
Louisiana and Ohio, Mississippi, Indiana
Alabama, Maine, Missouri
Added Arkansas and Michigan added Florida and Texas
And in Texas five thousand men under Santa Anna
Had crossed the Rio Grande headed for San Antonio
David Crockett left Tennessee with the volunteers headed for San Antonio
At a Spanish mission near San Antonio they met a knife-fighter
And a gambler named Jim Bowie and a Britisher named Travis
(Feat. Marty Robbins)
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I love mom and applie pie,
And the freedoms that we all enjoy across this beautiful land
I work hard and I fight hard for the old Red, White, and Blue
And I'll die a whole lot harder if it comes to where I have to
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
And when I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin, my blood begins to churnin
And I could do some fightin' of my own
I don't believe in violence, I'm a God fearing man
Bul I'll stand up for my country just as long as I can stand
Cause I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
And I enjoy the liberty of being what I want to be and achieve any goals that I can
I was taught to turn the other cheeck, but daddy used to say
Walk soft and pack a big stick, but never walk away
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
And When I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin, my blood begins to churnin
And I could do some fightin' of my own
Cause I love all my brothers and were proud of our group
We've got the greenest country here on God's green earth
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
One mornin' at breakfast, I said to my wife,
We been everywhere once and some places twice,
As I had another helping of country ham,
She said "We ain't never been to Vietnam,
"And there's a bunch of our boys over there."
So we went to the Orient: Saigon.
Well we got a big welcome when we drove in,
Through the gates of a place that they call Long Vinh.
We checked in and everything got kinda quiet,
But a soldier boy said: "Just wait 'til tonight,
"Things get noisy. Things start happenin'.
"Big bad firecrackers."
Well that night we did about four shows for the boys,
And they were livin' it up with a whole lot of noise.
We did our last song for the night,
And we crawled into bed for some peace and quiet,
But things weren't peaceful. And things weren't quiet.
Things were scary.
Well for a few minutes June never said one word,
And I thought at first that she hadn't heard.
Then a shell exploded not two miles away,
She sat up in bed and I heard her say: "What was that?"
I said: "That was a shell, or a bomb."
She said: "I'm scared." I said "Me too."
Well all night long that noise kept on,
And the sound would chill you right to the bone.
The bullets and the bombs, and the mortar shells,
Shook our bed every time one fell,
And it never let up; it was gonna get worse,
Before it got any better.
Well when the sun came up, the noise died down,
We got a few minutes sleep, an' we were sleepin' sound,
When a soldier knocked on our door and said:
"Last night they brought in seven dead, and 14 wounded."
And would we come down to the base hospital, and see the boys.
"Yes!"
So we went to the hospital ward by day,
And every night we were singin' away.
Then the shells and the bombs was goin' again.
And the helicopters brought in the wounded men.
Night after night; day after day.
Comin' and a goin'.
So we sadly sang for them our last song,
And reluctantly we said: "So long."
We did our best to let 'em know that we care,
For every last one of 'em that's over there.
Whether we belong over there or not.
Somebody over here love's 'em, and needs 'em
Well now that's about all that there is to tell,
About that little trip into livin' hell.
And if I ever go back over there any more,
I hope there's none of our boys there for me to sing for;
I hope that war is over with,
And they all come back home,
To stay.
So you gave up all between us for a glamorous carear
And with all your talent you should be the big star of the year
Then you'll be public property so I release my claim to you
Go on and give 'em all you've got sing it pretty Sue
I can't take just part of you and give the world a half
So Smile for all the papers and give 'em autographs
Go on to all the cities so your public can see you
But I'll watch on television so sing it pretty Sue
[ guitar ]
I hope you'll soon be on the top of every hitparade
I'll try to be excited bout the progress that you've made
I'll collect your pictures like any fan would do
And I'll buy all your records so sing it pretty Sue
But I won't ever tell a soul that we have ever met
I'll just be one of millions who'll give the praise you get
And maybe every year or so I'll drop a card to you
Hey little girl, with tears in your eyes
Don't waste your time now, askin' me why
I don't know, I know I'll just be movin' along
You'd say that home is where my love is at
I say that home is where I hang my hat
The time has come to sing a travelin' song
You own a house and a lot of close friends
I love the feel of my back to the wind
The two won't match, you know the caves so wild would be wrong
You want your friends and love, a child and a home
You can't buy love on a twenty year loan
The time has come to sing a travelin' song
Someday where we sat on that old porch swing
A tamer man might offer you a ring
A man that wants his friends and neighbors, a child and a home
Don't waste your tears on dreams that never can be
What's right for others is not right for me
The time has come to sing a travelin' song
Standing on the corner with the lowdown blues
A great big hole in the bottom of my shoes
Honey let me be your salty dog
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog
Look it here Sal, I know you
Run down stocking and a wore out shoe
Honey let me be your salty dog
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog
Down in the wildwood sitting on a log
Finger on the trigger and an eye on the hog
Honey let me be your salty dog
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog
Well I Pulled the trigger and the gun set go
The shot gun over in Mexico
Honey let me be your salty dog
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog
Salty down now
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
Honey let me be your salty dog
Let me be your salty dog
Or I won't be your little man at all
She'll shake her head and swing her hips
How many more have kissed her lips
Rosanna you're not acting like a child
My Rosanna's going wild
Her skirt is short
Her hair is long
And the beat goes on and on and on
She's living like it's going out of style
My Rosanna's going wild
She's feeling every new sensation
Giving in to each temptation
I know she'll pay after awhile
My Friends look at her funny
She laughs and say why honey
All I ever givin was a smile
But my Rosanna's going wild
Feeling every new sensation
Giving in to all temptation
And I know she'll pay after awhile
My Friends look at her funny
She laughs and say why honey
All I ever givin was a smile
But my Rosanna's going wild
I took a tour to Texas
And from Waco I called you
But day by day no answer
And I'm Big Bluebonnet blue
I'm singing and they're dancing
But I'm feeling Big D bad
I'm Sweetwater beat
And I'm Texas City sad
[Chorus]
The rhythm keeps me living
But have you heard the news
There's a sad song singer coming
With the rockabilly blues
It's hard to keep on singing
When you're lonesome to the bon
10,000 happy people but I'm San Antone alone
One night stands and the man demands
That I get up and go
I'm Odessa desperate
And San Angelo low
[Chorus]
It's the same old tune in Temple
About the loving I ain't had
I'm getting Beaumont bitter
And Amarillo mad
I'm giving up on calling you
'Cause you're evading me
I'm coming home and if you're gone
I'm gonna be Tennessee free
The father heard church bells at midnight a wrong time for church bells to chime
He went to the tower found a little girl there said why ring the bells at this time
I'm just ringing the bells for Jim please father ringing the bells for Jim
I'm sorry I'm cryin' but my brother Jim's dyin' so I'm ringing the bells for Jim
Please father pray for him this Christmas he's sick and he's in so much pain
The doctors all say he'll be gone any day so I must ring the bells again
I'm just ringing the bells...
[ ac.guitar ]
On the day after Christmas she brought him said father heed little Jim
You see he got well when he heard the church bells I was ringing the bells for Jim
A hundred and eighty were challenged by Travis to die
By the line that he drew with his sword when the battle was high
Any man that will fight to the death cross over
But if you want to live you'd better fly
And over the line went a hundred and seventy nine
Hey Santa Anna we're killing your soldiers below
That men wherever they go will remember the Alamo
Ol' Bowie lay dying his powder was ready and dry
Flat on his back Bowie killed them a few in reply
And young Davy Crockett was singing and laughing with gallantry fears in his eyes
For God and for freedom a man more than willing to die
Hey Santa Anna...
They sent a young scout from the battlements bloody and loud
With the words of farewell from a garrison valiant and proud
Grieve not little darling my dying if Texas is sovereign and free
We'll never surrender and ever with liberty be
Old pirates, yes, they rob I,
Sold I to the merchant ships.
Minutes after they took I,
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong,
By the hand of the All Mighty.
We forward in this generation,
Triumphantly.
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom ?
'Cause all I ever had,
Redemption songs,
Redemption songs.
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery,
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it,
We've got to fullfil the book.
So won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had,
Redemption songs,
Redemption songs,
Redemption songs.
/Guitar break/
Old pirates, yes, they rob I,
Sold I to the merchant ships.
Minutes after they took I,
From the bottomless pit.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it,
We've got to fullfil the book.
So won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had,
Redemption songs.
All I ever had,
Redemption songs.
These songs of freedom,
(Precious mem'ries)
Precious mem'ries unseen angel sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger ever near me and the sacred past unfolds
Precious mem'ries how they linger how they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight precious sacred seems unfold
[ piano ]
Precious father loving mother fly across the lonely years
And the old home scenes from my childhood in fond memory appear
Precious mem'ries how they linger...
A ship came in but it was empty and it sailed back out to sea again
Now there's the sail on the horizon and now I wait until your ship comes in
And I'll be waiting in the port of lonely hearts watchin' for your topsail on the sea
Prayin' that my ship of love will come to the port of lonely hearts where I will be
[ guitar ]
I'll brave the storm until you're with me
Cause the wind and rain can't change a love that's true
I'll be alone until you anchor and then I'll leave this lonely port with you
Till then I'm waiting in the port of lonely hearts watchin' for your topsail on the sea
Aurora borealis
The icy sky at night
Paddles cut the water
In a long and hurried flight
From the white man
to the fields of green
And the homeland
we've never seen.
They killed us in our tepee
And they cut our women down
They might have left some babies
Cryin' on the ground
But the firesticks
and the wagons come
And the night falls
on the setting sun.
They massacred the buffalo
Kitty corner from the bank
The taxis run across my feet
And my eyes have turned to blanks
In my little box
at the top of the stairs
With my Indian rug
and a pipe to share.
I wish a was a trapper
I would give thousand pelts
To sleep with Pocahontas
And find out how she felt
In the mornin'
on the fields of green
In the homeland
we've never seen.
And maybe Marlon Brando
Will be there by the fire
We'll sit and talk about Hollywood
And the good things there for hire
Like the Astrodome
and the first tepee
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
Marlon Brando, Pocahontas and me
From the day of your birth
It's bread and water here on earth
To a child of light, to a child of light
But there'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
There'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
Sometimes I doubt in fear
That I've really gained salvation here
For it's out of sight, for it's out of sight
But there'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
He said if I do His will
There's a promise He'd fulfill
And He's gone now to prepare
Me a mansion out there
And there'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
There'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
There'll be pie in the sky
By and by when I die
And it'll be alright, it'll be alright
Heroes, larger than life
Up on the screen, every night
On the late show, oh, what a great show
Heroes, under the gun
Fighting for justice, for everyone
And we follow, where ever they go
Heroes, standing up tall
Taking their chances, risking it all
So you know, there'll always be heroes
Heroes, so good to know
So hard to find, sad, when they go
Like the shadows, on the high road
Heroes, ever on track
Never give up, never look back
Never lay low, oh, never grow old
Heroes, right from the start
They fall in love, straight from the heart
So you know they'll always be heroes
Ride on, safe from all danger
Where have you been for so long
I've been waiting for another star
To rise in my night again
Give me a reason
We all must carry on
Like all the heroes have done
Heroes, facing the fight
Calling for courage, trying to do right
When the dust blows, and the light goes
Heroes, tried and true
One for the other, ready to do
It tomorrow, like it was the last show
Heroes, put to the test
Keeping a promise, doing their best
So you know, there'll always be heroes
Ride on, safe from all danger
Where have you been for so long
I've been waiting for another star
To rise in my night again
Give me a reason
We all must carry on
Like all the heroes have done
Johnny
I believe my steps are growing wearier each day
still i've got another journey on my mind
lures of this old world have ceased to make me wanna stay
and my only regret is leaving you behind
June
But if it proves to be his will that i am first to go
and somehow i've a feeling it will be
and when it comes your time to travel like wise don't feel lost
for i will be the first one that you'll see
chorus
I'll be waiting On The Far Side Banks Of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
and when I see you comming i will rise up with a shout
and come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand
Johnny
Through this life we labored hard to earn our meager fare
It's brought us trembling hands and failing eyes
June
So i'll just rest here on this shore and turn my eyes away
untill you come then we'll see paridise
Lord, I've never lived where churches grow I loved creation better as it stood That day you finished it so long ago And looked upon your work and called it good I know that others find you in the light That sifted down through tinted window panes And yet I seem to feel you near tonight In this dim, quiet starlight on the plains I thank you, Lord, that I'm placed so well That you've made my freedom so complete That I'm no slave to whistle, clock or bell Nor weak eyed prisoner of Waller Street Just let me live my life as I've begun And give me work that's open to the sky Make me a partner of the wind and sun And I won't ask a life that's soft or high Let me be easy on the man that's down Let me be square and generous with all I'm careless sometimes, Lord, when I'm in town But never let them say I'm mean or small Make me as big and open as the plains And honest as the horse between my knees Clean as a wind that blows behind the rains Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze Forgive me, Lord, if sometimes I forget You know about the reasons that are hid You understand the things that gall or fret Well, you knew me better than my mother did Just keep an eye on all that's done or said And right me
sometimes when I turn aside And guide me on that long, dim trail ahead That stretched upward toward the great divide
Oh, bury me not on the lone prairie These words came low and mournfully From the pallid lips of a youth who lay On his dying bed at the close of day
The next in line will be someone who loves you
The next in line is me, 'cause it's my time
Now how long will it be, till you end my misery
You better be prepared to linger, when you get to me
The time has come for you to love me, if you ever are
Come to me now, so I can make you mine
I watched them rush to you so fast
I waited so I'd be the last
It's my time, 'cause I'm the next in line
The next in line will want your love forever
The next in line is me and here I am
Give me a day or two and I'll get through to you
You'd been my baby long ago, if you'd turned down a few
This old heart can't take much more waitin' for your love
I'm tired and we're runnin' short of time
I'll make you love me more than everyone before
It's my time to try, 'cause I'm the next in line
I stood and watched you take their hearts
And break 'em one by one
My time is comin', so I waited while you had your fun
Now I'm through a-waitin' way behind
I saved a lot of money, my fortune was untold
And like a fool I idealized, my silver and my gold
My earthly treasure's mounted but when I counted through
I realized the treasure I had overlooked was you
My treasure unmeasured
But forsaken of the treasures that come from above
My treasure unmeasured
Turpentine and dandelion wine
I've turned the corner an' I'm doin' fine
Shootin' at the birds on the telephone line
Pickin' 'em off with this gun o' mine
Got a fire in my belly and a fire in my head
Going higher and higher till I'm dead
Sister Sue is short and stout, she didn't grow up, she grew out
Momma says, she's plain but she's just being kind
Papa thinks she's pretty but he's almost blind
Don't let her out much except at night
But I don't care 'cause I'm all right
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
Young folks roll on the floor
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
Keep them hard times away from my door
Brother Gene is big and mean and he don't have much to say
He had a little woman who he whooped each day
But now she's gone away got drunk last night
Kicked momma down the stairs but I'm all right
So I don't care
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
And the young folks are rollin' on the floor
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
Keep them hard times away from my door
Turpentine and dandelion wine
I've turned the corner an' I'm doin' fine
Shootin' at the birds on the telephone line
Pickin' 'em off with this gun o' mine
Got a fire in my belly and a fire in my head
Goin' higher and higher till I'm dead
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
And the young folks are rollin' on the floor
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home
Keep them hard times away from my door
I prayed to feel more joy in my salvation
A selfish prayer I finally came to know
For the greatest joy while living comes to me when I am giving
Giving children bread of life and watch them grow
And my greatest joy is knowing that my children walk in truth
And that they are giving you Lord of their fire and strength of youth
Yes, I’ve found the greatest joy in my salvation
Is knowing that my children walk in truth
It's hard to feed someone else when you're hungry
And don’t try to teach when you don’t understand
No one will follow you if you don’t live it each day through
And a frightened child won’t hold a trembling hand
And my greatest joy is knowing that my children walk in truth
And that they are giving you Lord of their fire and strength of youth
Yes, I’ve found the greatest joy of my salvation
Me and my brother was down close to the depot
When I heard the report of a pistol
I hollered, "I wonder what was that!"
He run out and come back and he said
"That was a report of a pistol"
And I thought I was gonna faint when he said it
"Mr. Garfield's been shot down, shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield's been shot down low"
Lord, I knew the President was supposed to be down the depot that day
But I just wouldn't let myself believe that he'd been shot
Me and my bother run out there and everybody was all confused
And hollering' and running' round
And I stepped up to this one lady and I said that
"Ma'am what was it really that happened Ma'am?", and she said that
"Mr. Garfield's been shot down, shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield's been shot down low"
Well, it looked like everybody felt just about as bad as I did
Everybody started drift off to home
Me and my brother did too
Then a few weeks later, I heard that the President was still alive
So I told my brother, I said, "Hey let's get on a train
And go to that Big House up there and see how the President is"
"Let's go up there to where he's laid up hurt and sick we'd see him"
So we went on up there and that big White House
And there was a soldier boy standin' round upside, outside
And, I sidled up to him and I said to that soldier boy
I said "Who was it that did it?
Who was it that shot the President?"
And he said that, "It was Charlie Guiteau that shot Mr. Garfield"
And I said, "Charlie Guiteau done shot down a good man, good man
Charlie Guiteau done shot down a good man low
Charlie Guiteau done shot down a good man, good man"
That soldier boy said that
Miss Lucretia Garfield was always at his bedside
In the heat of the day fannin' him when he was hot
And he said just that mornin' that he had been at the window
And he'd overheard Miss Lucretia and Mr. Garfield talkin'
And Mr Garfield said, "Crete, honey", he called her Crete
He said, "Crete, honey, if somethin' worse would happens to me"
He said, "You get yourself a good man"
And she said, "Now James", she called him James
She said, "James, I won't hear to that now
'Cause I love you too much"
And he said that "You'll make some good man a good wife, good wife
You'll make some man a good wife gal
Don't pull in single harness all your life, good gal
Don't pull in single harness all your life"
That's what he said, "Don't pull in single harness all your life"
Well a little while later, we come back around there
And things have changed
The flag was hangin' halfway up the flagpole
And everybody was cryin' and standin' 'round sad
And I walked back up to this soldier boy and I said
"Soldier boy, is he, is Mr Garfield?" and he said, "Yeah, he's gone"
Gonna lay him by that cold lonesome branch down low
Mr. Garfield's been shot down low
Oh, Mr. Garfield's been shot down, shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield's been shot down low
Have you heard the news?
Mr. Garfield's been shot down, shot down, shot down
I heard on the radio there's rumors of war
People getting ready for battle
And there may be just one more
I heard about an earthquake
And the toll it took away
These are the signs of the times we're in today.
CHORUS
Matthew twenty-four is knocking at the door,
And there can't be too much more to come to pass.
Matthew twenty-four is knocking at the door,
And a day or one more could be the last.
A great bear from the northland has risen from his sleep,
And the Army ranks in red are near two hundred million deep.
The young and old now prophesy a coming
Prince of Peace
And last night I dreamed of lightning in the east.
My baby left me just the other day
I guess the things will never be the same
But I must forget that she is gone
Cause time goes by and life goes on
making plans, shaking hands
try to prove that I'm a man
It's hard to do but I must try
cause life goes on and so will I
[Solo: play riff 2 times]
It's been kinda tough these last few days
trying to act normal and be gay
It's not easy to be all alone
but time goes by and life goes on
If I see her anywhere
I hope she thinks that I don't care
For after night there comes the dawn
Yes time goes by and life goes on
When you wake up in the mornin', baby, look inside your mirror
I won't be next to you, you know I won't be near
I'd just be curious to know if your reflection is as clear
As the one that I've got on my mind
Mama, you been on my mind
Well, perhaps it's the wind and the dark, dark night
That's coverin' the crossroads that I'm at
And maybe it's the weather or something like that
But, Mama, you been on my mind
Mama, you been on my mind
Well, I don't need trouble, please don't put me down
Don't get upset, I am not pleadin', I won't say I'll forget
And I won't pace the floor, bowed down and bent
But yet, Mama, you been on my mind
Mama, you been on my mind
Even though my mind is hazy and my thoughts are kinda narrow
Where you been, don't bother me or bring me down with sorrow
It don't matter to me where you'll be wakin' up tomorrow
But, Mama, you been on my mind
The teacher of truth told tales
Of trouble times that would begin
And the cynical sower sowed
The sorrowful seeds of seven sins
The people placed a price upon
The prince of perfect peace
And the one who wooed the world was wounded
Look unto the east
The morning moved in mournfully
With many moments marred
By brawny beast who beat the beauty
Bound and bit and barred
They laid the lash upon him low
His lips moved not the least
Watch him come from where he did go
Look unto the east
The devil drew his darts
And the dearest dove came droppin' down
But the spirits slips in soft and sweetly
Unseen with no sound
The comforter, the counselor
With us till time is ceased
And the groom will return for his bride
Johnny: Well, I'm gonna start out walkin' / just you wait and see
June: Uh-uh guitar picker / you ain't leavin' without me
Johnny: Oh, you big mouthed woman
June: You long-legged guitar pickin' man
Both: Well, we can work this out
Johnny: Uh-huh, yes ma’am, I think we can
Johnny: Well I stole the Hope diamond / hopin' I could shut your mouth
June: But how am I gonna wear it / if I got to hide it out
Johnny: Oh, you big mouthed woman
June: You long-legged guitar pickin' man
Both: Well, we can work this out
Johnny: Uh-huh, yes ma’am, I think we can
(Instrumental chorus-guitar solo; spoken banter)
Johnny: Well I bought you a first class ticket / for a luxury liner cruise
June: I got out in that ocean / looked around and there was you
Johnny: Oh, you big mouthed woman
June: You long-legged guitar pickin' man
Both: Well, we can work this out
Johnny: Uh-huh, yes ma’am, I think we can
Johnny: I bought you a big long limousine
June: But I don't want no car / I need my lovin' every day
Johnny: But you're still what you are
Johnny: You're just a big mouthed woman
June: You're a long-legged guitar pickin' man
Both: Well, we can work this out, uh-huh
Johnny: Yes ma’am, I think we can
On the park bench I slept on
Raindrops are fallin' on the newspapers coverin' me
I hear early mornin' motors
And I know the world is wakin' for the dawn
But my mind's down a dark alley
Somewhere where last night you loved me
And in the early mornin' chill my arms remember still
But I'm droppin' like a stone lonesome to the bone
The sun is roughly risin' on the roofs of Stagger town
The time for sweat and poison out is just now comin' 'round
The high time of last midnight is over with and gone
Leavin' me to be lonesome to the bone
I walked away the wind blows
And any way the wind goes will be good enough for me
The streets are loud and crowded
But I walk my weary way lost and alone
Your hot breath and your laughter
Keep flashin' through my mind to warm me
But the naked light of day soon makes it fade away
And I'm droppin' like a stone lonesome to the bone
The sun is roughly risin' on the roofs of Stagger town
The time for sweat and poison out is just now comin' 'round
The high time of last midnight is over with and gone
Like a young cold the country was now growing fast
Passenger trains in the east were traveling a hundred miles an hour
People in the country could buy clothes by mail order
And get 'em back within two weeks
After twenty years or more the South
Was still mending its wounds from the civil war
But with all the country's problems
The union was solid
Red American novelists and poets
Were coming into their own
People were expressing their love
For America in song and in poem
And in South Carolina
A high tone southern gentleman
Expressed his love and admiration
I'm not the going steady kind
I miss 'em all, all the time
I told Annie I'd be true
But I still think about Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
I still think about Katy too
If you should see miss Mary-Ann
Just tell her I'm her loving man
Give my love to Jane and Sue
But don't forget ol' Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
Don't forget ol' Katy too
I like Sadie's chicken stew
And Suzie's good at stitchin' wool
I like Mary's barbecue
But I still like ol' Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
I still like ol' Katy too
Now, girls I'm not the flirty kind
But I just can't make up my mind
I'd like to marry all of you
But I still miss ol' Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
I still miss ol' Katy too
To all the girls I make this toast
I love you eveyone the most
But don't ask me to say "I do"
'Cause I still miss ol' Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
I still miss ol' Katy too
Cupid you bet you been good to me
I got more girls than I can see
But if you give me all but two
Then let's squeeze in ol' Katy too
Katy too, Katy too
I've come from just the other side of no-where,
To this big time lonesome town.
They got a lotta ice an' snow here,
Half as cold as all the people I've found.
Every way I try to go here,
Seems to bring me down.
I seen about enough to know where I belong.
I've got a mind to see the headlights shinin',
On that old white line between my heart and home.
Sick of spendin' Sundays, wishin' they were Mondays,
Sittin' in a park alone.
So give my best to anyone who's left who ever done me,
Any lovin' way but wrong,
Tell them that the pride of just the other side of nowhere's goin' home.
Takin' nothing back to show there,
For these dues I have paid,
But the soul I almost sold here,
And the body I've been givin' away.
Fadin' from the neon nightime glow here,
Headin' for the light of day.
Just the other side of nowhere, goin' home.
I've got a mind to see the headlights shinin',
On that old white line between my heart and home.
Sick of spendin' Sundays, wishin' they were Mondays,
Sittin' in a park alone.
So give my best to anyone who's left who ever done me,
Any lovin' way but wrong,
Tell 'em that the pride of just the other side of nowhere's goin' home.
Takin' nothing back to show there,
For these dues I have paid,
But the soul I almost sold here,
And the body I've been givin away.
Fadin' from the neon nightime glow here,
Headin' for the light of day.
Just the other side of nowhere, goin' home.
Just as I am without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee oh lamb of God I come I come
[ strings ]
Just as I am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot
To Thee who's blood can cleanse each spot oh lamb of God I come I come
Just as I am Lord Thou tossed about with many a conflict and many a doubt
Fightings fears within and without oh lamb of God I come I come
Just as I am Thou wilt recieve will dwell come pardon cleanse relieve
I will miss you when you go much more than you'll ever know
But I'll have a memory to keep you near
In my heart you will remain but it just won't be the same
I will miss a million things that make you dear
Your lovely ways make you so sweet I prayed the angels fair will keep
You're happiness so you'll be blessed just as you deserve to be
I wonder why there are so few lovely people like you
My but I will surely miss you when you go
[ steel ]
Jesus was a carpenter and He worked with a saw and a hammer
And His hands could join a table true enough to stand forever
And He might have spun His life out in the coolness of the morning
But He put aside His tools and He walked the burning highways
And He built His house from people just like these
And He found them as they wandered through the wild Judean mountains
And He found them as they pulled their nets upon the Sea of Galilee
And for a thousand evenings while the day behind Him emptied
He put aside His tools and stopped to touch the dying
And He built His house from people just like these
It was on a storming Sunday when He rode to old Jerusalem
And the palms they cast before Him
Were like the crimes they laid against Him
It was on a storming Friday when He climbed the streets to Calvary
And where He died today why they're selling beads and postcards
And they tell us too that that was long ago
But would He stand today upon the sands of California
And walk the sweating blacktop of New York and Mississippi?
Would He be a guest on Sunday, a vagrant on a Monday?
With the doors locked tight against His kind you know
Oh, come again now Jesus be a carpenter among us
There are chapels in our discontent, cathedrals to our sorrows
And we dwell in golden mansions with the sand for our foundations
And the raging water's rising and the thunder's all around us
Won't You come and build a house on rock again
Jesus was a carpenter and He worked with a saw and a hammer
Jacob Green got busted for possession
Next morning early he appeared in court
But he was sent to jail to wait to be trialed at some later date
Next morning early, there came a sad report
At the jail they took away his clothes to shame him
And to make sure Jacob Green had no pride left
They cut of all his hair today they found him hanging there
Afraid to face the day he killed himself
It happened yesterday and if you turn your head away
Somewhere in some dirty hole the scene will be rerun
Not only Jacob Green, but many more you've never seen
It could be someone that you love gets done
Like Jacob Green got done
It could be someone that you love gets done
Like Jacob Green got done
Jacob's father hired a team of lawyers
Inspections and long inquiries were held
The sheriff then retired and the papers said two guards were fired
They put a brand new coat of paint on Jacob's cell
But like a tomb that looks so white and shiny
Inside you'll find corruption never seen
And somewhere out there tonight in a dirty cell without a light
There will be locked up another Jacob Green
It happened yesterday and if you turn your head away
Somewhere in some dirty hole the scene will be rerun
Not only Jacob Green, but many more you've never seen
It could be someone that you love gets done
Like Jacob Green got done
It could be someone that you love gets done
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I'm goin' to Jackson
I'm gonna mess around
Yeah, I'm goin' to Jackson
Look out Jackson town
Well, go on down to Jackson
Go ahead and wreck your health
Go play your hand, you big talkin' man
Make a big fool of yourself
Yeah, go to Jackson
Go comb your hair
Honey, I'm gonna snowball Jackson
See if I care
When I breeze into that city
People gonna stoop and bow
All them women gonna make me
Teach 'em what they don't know how
I'm goin' to Jackson
You turn loose my coat
'Cause I'm goin' to Jackson
Goodbye, that's all she wrote
When they laugh at you in Jackson
And I'll be dancin' on the pony keg
They'll lead you round town like a scalded hound
With your tail tucked between your legs
Yeah, I'll go to Jackson
You big talkin' man
And I'll be waitin' in Jackson
Behind my Japan fan
Well, now we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We've been talking 'bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I'm goin' to Jackson
And that's a fact
Yeah, we goin' to Jackson
Ain't never comin' back
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
Honey, we've been talking 'bout Jackson
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong,
With chains upon my feet.
You know that ghost is me.
And I will never be set free
As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see.
If I could read your mind, love,
What a tale your thoughts could tell.
Just like a paperback novel,
The kind the drugstores sell.
When you reached the part where the heartaches come,
The hero would be me.
But heroes often fail,
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take!
I'd walk away like a movie star
Who gets burned in a three way script.
Enter number two:
A movie queen to play the scene
Of bringing all the good things out in me.
But for now, love, let's be real;
I never thought I could act this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feeling's gone
And I just can't get it back.
If you could read my mind, love,
What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong.
With chains upon my feet.
But stories always end,
And if you read between the lines,
You'll know that I'm just tryin' to understand
The feelin's that you lack.
I never thought I could feel this way
And I've got to say that I just don't get it.
I don't know where we went wrong,
But the feelin's gone
If the good Lord's willing and the creek stays down
I'll be in your arms time the moon come around
For a taste of love that's shining in your eyes
If the rooster crows at the crackin' of the dawn
I'll be there just as sure as you're born
If the good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise
I'll comb my hair down brush my teeth
Shine up slick up dress up neat
Get everything looking just right
Cause I want to look pretty when I see you tonight
Just as sure as the rabbits are a jumping in the hollow
I'll be there you can bet your bottom dollar
If the good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise
[ guitar ]
If the good Lord's willing and the creek stays low
I'll be there a knockin' at your door
With a hug and a kiss for the one I idolize
I'll wear my suit my Sunday best I'll be there lookin' my best
If the good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise
I'll feed the mules and slop the hogs feed the cows and chop all the logs
Get all of my working done cause tonight we're gonna have lots of fun
Just as sure as there ever was a preacher man
I'll be there with a ring for your hand
Bring a drink of water Leroy, bring a drink of water no
If I could get to the mercy man, he'd give me some I know
I got a gal in Vickburg, Bertha is her name
Lord I Wish I was tied to Bertha, instead of this ball and chain
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis
[Chorus:]
But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis
Well I've never been to Chicago, but it must be a mighty fine place
I couldn't get past Tennessee, with Mississippi all over my face
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis
[Chorus]
Well I brought me a little water in a Mr. Prince Albert can
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it, and I believe he broke my hand, hmm
Another boy is down the shovel burned him out
Let me stand on his body, to see what the shoutin's about
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
[Chorus]
Yeah, Memphis bound
I've been a rambler, I've been a gambler
I've been in trouble a time or two
I known a lot good looking women
But Lord, bless the day that I found You
I'm alright now, I'm alright now
I was ridin' on the devil's train but I got off somehow
I'm alright now, I'm alright
Gabriel, let your trumpet blow, I'm alright now
I've been demented, been discontented
I've been in jail pretty close to hell
I've been frisky on sipping whiskey, yeah
And I done a few other things that I'll never tell
But I'm alright now
I'm alright now
I've never been in prison
I don't know much about trains
My favorite singer cooks my breakfast
I like her fancy and I like her plain
I love bright and flashing colors
Like hot pink and Dresden blue
But if they ask me if it's true
That I still love you, I'll say it's true
I'd happy in a mansion
Or in an old rundown shotgun shack
I like the feel of silk and satin
So I don't know why I wear black
I love New York City
Bet your cowgirl boots I do
But if they ask me if it's true
That I still love you, I'll say it's true
I'll say it's true
So don't let it bother you
Just let them old tales all stay twisted
I will set 'em straight about you
I have not been in the army
I'm an Indian from years ago
When they ask if I know Waylon
I tell them, I think so
I do not plan on retiring
From anything I do
But if they ask me if it's true
That I still love you, I'll say it's true
I'll say it's true
So don't let it bother you
Just let them old tales all stay twisted
I will set 'em straight on you
I got plans to keep right on singin'
And I do know Emmylou
But if they ask me if it's true
They used to call me Rockabilly all of us ran through
When Elvis opened up the door with a pup-and-pup-and-boo
I didn't ever play much rock and roll cause I got so much country in my soul
But I'm a different man for lovin' you and I take a shot at what you ask me to
And baby I will rock and roll with you if I have to
[ guitar - choir ]
Memphis 1955 on Union Avenue
Carl and Jerry and Charlie and Roy and Billy Riley too
A new sun risin' on the way we sing and a world of weirdo's waitin' in the wings
But I love you and though I'm past 42 there are still a few things yet I didn't do
And baby I will rock and roll with you if I have to
I ride an old paint, I lead an old Dan
I'm off to Montan' for to throw the hooley ann
They feed in the coulees, they water in the draw
Their tails are all matted, their backs are all raw
Ride around little dogies, ride around slow
The fiery and snuffy are raring to go
Well John's had two daughters and the song
One went to Denver the other went wrong
His young wife died in a poolroom fight
But he tries to keep singing from morning till night
Ride around little dogies, ride around slow
The fiery and snuffy are raring to go
When I die take my saddle from the wall
Strap it my pony, lead him out of the stall
Throw my bones on his back, turn our faces to the west
And we'll ride the prairie that we love the best
Ride around little dogies, ride around slow
I love you, love you, I love you
Just in case you care, you know I do
I've done everything I know to do
To catch your eye and get a rise from you
I've said everything I know to say
Till I'm afraid that I'll scare you away
I've tried everything I know to try
And if you won't love me I'm gonna die
I'll be anything I need to be
To make you want to bring your love to me
'Cause I love you, love you, I love you
Can't help it that I feel the way I do
I love you, love you, I love you
Just in case you care, you know I do
I'll quit anything I need to quit
Or I'll change anything to make it fit
I'll start anything I need to start
If that would mean you're givin' me your heart
'Cause I love you, love you, I love you
Can't help it that I feel the way I do
I love you, love you, I love you
Just in case you care, you know I do
'Cause I love you, love you, I love you
Can't help it that I feel the way I do
I love you, love you, I love you
I just thought you'd like to know since you'd made your plans to go
It's gonna hurt me so to see you go
But I hope you find another love and he'll be good to you
But still and yet I can't forget the things we used to do
I just thought I tell you this I love you since that first sweet kiss
It's gonna hurt to miss your tender kiss
But I hope you get to do the things you say you wanna do
But still and yet I can't forget the happiness we knew
[ piano ]
I just thought you'd like to know how much you've hurt my pride
I just thought you'd like to know how much my heart has cried over you
But darling you could never see the misery you caused for me
I was ridin' number nine
Headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble, had to roam
Left my gal an' left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid, actin' smart
I went and broke my darling's heart
I guess I was too young to know
They took me off the Georgia Main
Locked me to a ball and chain
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All alone I bear the shame
I'm a number, not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All I do is sit an' cry
When the evenin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell
Till my body's just a shell
An' my hair turns whiter than snow
I'll never see that gal of mine
Lord, I'm in Georgia doin' time
Life was a bottle of alcohol
And pills and blues and gals
And every hung over mornin'
Was an unheeded warnin'
That I shared with my lost pals
And the music flowed
And my chosen road grew wider everyday
Till the highs got low and the will said no
I can't go on that way
Can't go that way, can't go that way
Yes, the highs got low and the will said no
I can't go on that way
Sugar is sweet and good prime meat
Is so hard to come by
Saccharine is 'round again
But today it's do or die
My baby is home where I belong
And this is still my day
I am hangin' on and I am comin' on strong
And I can't go on that way
Can't go that way, can't go that way
I am still hangin' on and comin' on strong
And I can't go on that way
Earth is down and next time around
I ain't goin' round again
When it comes my time, I'm gonna stop at a line
And forget where I've been
Who was it said that a life is dead
Like the summer's day
Just let her go and let a new wind blow
'Cause I can't go on that way
Can't go that way, can't go that way
Just let her go and let a new wind blow
Well the blue's still in the water and the blue's still in the sky
And way beyond the blue there's someone watchin' from on high
My clothes may be ragged and my shoes may be worn
But I've been a wealthy boy since I've been born
Cause I call him when I'm troubled and I call him when I'm weak
And he always pulls me through my troubles some way and I believe
He'll be there (he'll be there) he'll be there (he'll be there)
Like he always is to answer when I call him
[ guitar ]
My mother used to tell me I should take it slow
The pace is not what matters it's the direction that you go
Keep your feet upon the path and your eyes upon the goal
You'll have all the joy a heart could ever hold
Cause I call him when I'm troubled...
I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
Just around the corner there's heart ache,
down the street that losers use,
if you can wade in through the teardrop,
you'll find me, at the home of the blues.
I walk and cry while my heart beats,
keeps time of the drag of my shoe,
the sun never shines through this window of mine,
it's dark, at the home of the blues.
Ohhh but the place, is filled with the sweetest memories,
memories so sweeeeet that I cried.
dreams that i've had,
left me feelin' so bad,
I just wanna give up and lay down and die.
Sooo if you've just lost your sweetheart,
and it seems there's no good way to choose,
come along with me, misery loves company,
you're welcome, at the home of the blues.
(Guitar plays)
Just around the corner there's heartache,
down the street that losers use.
If you can wade in through the teardrops,
you'll find me, at the home of the blues.
I woke up this afternoon, looked into your eyes
And somethin' was as wrong as if the sun forgot to rise
I picked up a road map and I checked a few good places that I know
And if you're no longer givin', I believe I'll hit the road and go
I just got the feelin' that the fire was burnin' out
'Cause the air was turnin' colder every time you came about
And a flame won't take a fannin' if the last reserve of love is runnin' low
So since I've gotta button up, I believe I'll hit the road and go
Country road 6-40, state highway 45
Life out of the interstate is very much alive
There's magic in the mountains and music in the valleys down below
And my song ain't through playin' yet so I believe I'll hit the road and go
Good morning to you sunshine, good morning to you rain
The windshield wiper's rhythm keeps me singin' down the pain
Today I'm gonna miss you less if I miss you at all
You'll never know, you'll never know
This rambler has cut all the ties and pulled up stakes to hit the road and go
On the shores of gitchgoomy by the shining big sea water
Hiawatha old and grayin' listened to the older prophet listened to Lagu
And the young men and the women from the land of Ojibways
From the land of the Dakotas from the woodlands and the prairies
Stood and listened to the prophet heard lagu tell Hiawatha
"I have seen" he said, "A water bigger than the big sea water
Broader than the gitchgoomy bitter so that none cold drink it
Salty so that none would use it"
Hiawatha then spoke to them stopped all their jeering and their jesting
And he spoke to all the people
It's true what Lagu tells you for I have seen it in a vision
I have also seen the water to the east to the land of morning
And upon this great water came a strange canoe with pinions
Bigger than a grove of pine trees, taller than the tallest tree tops
And upon this great canoe were sails to carry it swiftly
And it carried many people, strange and foreign were these people
And white were all their faces and with hair their chins were covered
Then said Hiawatha, "I beheld a darker vision"
Many hundreds came behind them pushed their way across our prairies
In our woodlands rang their axes, in our valleys smoked their cities
Our people were all scattered all forgetful of our councils
Left their homelands going westward wild and woeful
And the man with bearded faces, the men with skin so fair
With their barking sticks of thunder drove the remnants of our people
Farther westward, westward, westward then wild wild and wilder
Hey hey good lookin' whatcha got cookin' how's about cookin' somethin' up with me
Hey hey sweet baby don't you think maybe we could find us a brand new recepie
I got a hot rod Ford and a two dollar bill and I know a spot right over the hill
There's soda pop and the dancin's free if you wanna have fun come along with me
Hey hey good lookin' whatcha got cookin' how's about cookin' somethin' up with me
[ guitar ]
I'm free and ready so we can go steady how's about savin' all your time for me
No more lookin' I know I've been tooken how's about keepin' steady company
I'm gonna throw my datebook over the fence find me one for five or ten cents
Keep it till it's covered with age cause I'm writin' your name down on every page
He said, "I'll love you 'til I die."
She told him, "You'll forget in time."
As the years went slowly by,
She still preyed upon his mind.
He kept her picture on his wall.
Went half crazy now and then.
But he still loved her through it all,
Hoping she'd come back again.
Kept some letters by his bed,
Dated 1962.
He had underlined in red
Every single 'I love you'.
I went to see him just today,
But I didn't see no tears.
All dressed up to go away,
First time I'd seen him smile in years.
He stopped loving her today,
They placed a wreath upon his door,
And soon they'll carry him away,
He stopped loving her today.
You know, she came to see him one last time.
Oh, we allwondered if she would.
And it kept runnin' through my mind,
This time he's over her for good.
He stopped loving her today,
They placed a wreath upon his door,
And soon they'll carry him away,
Let us pause in life's pleasures and count it's many tears
While we all sup sorrow with the poor
There's a song that will linger forever in our ears
Oh, hard times, come again no more.
It's the song, a sign of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh hard times, come again no more.
While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay
There are frail forms fainting at the door
Though their voices now are silent, their pleading look still say
Oh, hard times, come again no more.
It's a song, a sign of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh hard times, come again no more.
There's a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away
With a warm heart, whose better days are o'er
Though her voice should be merry, It's sighing all the day
Oh, hard times, come again no more.
It's a song, a sign of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh hard times, come again no more.
It's a side that has wafted across the trouble way
It's a whale that is heard upon the shore
It's a dirt that is merriment around the lonely grain
Oh hard times, come again no more
It's a song, a sign of the weary
Hard times, hard times, come again no more
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door
Oh hard times, come again no more
Way down the mountain I chased a moonbeam
On the beach I built sand castles too
My moonbeams faded my castles tumbled
All of this was meaningless 'cause happiness is you
No more chasing moonbeams or catching falling stars
I know now my pot of gold is anywhere you are
My heart won't miss you my heart goes with you
Loneliness is emptiness but happiness is you
I tried to doubt you and live without you
Tried to deny but I love you like a do
But I realize now and I'll admit it
You'll always be a part of me 'cause happiness is you
Last Saturday night I got married me and my wife settled down
Now me and my wife have parted gonna take another stroll downtown
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene I'll see you in my dreams
[ ac.guitar ]
Sometimes I live in the country sometimes I live in town
Sometimes I take a fool notion to jump in the river and drown
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene I'll see you in my dreams
Stop your ramblin' stop your gamblin' stop stayin' out late at night
Go home to your wife and family stay there by the fireside bright
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodbye little darlin' we're parting parting don't always mean goodbye
Although we had to part, you're always in my heart, goodbye little darlin' goodbye
[ dobro ]
Goodbye little darlin' I'll miss you miss you, miss you like the stars would miss the sky
I hate to see you go, I'm gonna miss you so, goodbye little darlin' goodbye
[ guitar ]
Goodbye little darlin' I love you, love you until the day I die
Would you dream a dream of me, wherever you may be
goodbye little darlin' goodbye
You've found someone new, they'll be good to you
Goodbye little darlin'goodbye
I don't remember where these words came from, I have been singing them since early 1940's
(God has my fortune laid away)
Oh the world is full of people with money just to burn
Affording all the things in life for which a man might yearn
Some can take life easy but I live from day by day
God has my fortune laid away
I search for sunshine every day but there always comes the rain
The hope over my horizon was smoke without a flame
Pockets that stay empty dreams that go astray
God has my fortune laid away
(God has my fortune laid away laid away)
Oh how often I have wondered why some things have to be
Some people live in riches while some live just like me
The more I try to work and save the more I have to pay
But God has my fortune laid away (laid away)
The beautiful spacious skies, the amber waves of grain
To the majestic purple mountains above the fruited plain
God did shed His grace from sea to shining sea on you and on me
From Sleepy Hollow mountain country to the swamps of Okefenokee
To Guthrie Oklahoma, to Hibbing Minnesota
To Grants Pass Oregon, to Stone Pipe Wells, California
From Texas to Montana, from California to Maine
In the sunny days the winter snow from Arizona sand
To Cherokee North Carolina, to Tarpen Springs Florida
America, it's time to be refreshed, recalled to memory
God did shed His grace on Thee from sea to shining sea
The land is big the best is free
Sand and surf grass and tree from sea to shining sea
God shed His grace on me
Well, now Frankie
And Johnny were sweethearts
They were true as a blue, blue sky
He was a long-legged guitar picker
With a wicked wandering eye
But he was her man
Nearly all of the time
Well, Johnny
He packed up to leave her
But he promised he'd be back
He said he had a little picking to do
A little farther down the track
He said, I'm your man
I wouldn't do you wrong
Well, Frankie curled up on a sofa
Thinking about her man
Far away the couples were dancing
To the music of his band
He was Frankie's man
He wasn't doing her wrong
Then in the front door
Walked a redhead
Johnny saw her right away
She came down by the bandstand
To watch him while he played
He was Frankie's man
But she was far away
He sang every song to the redhead
She smiled back at him
Then he came and sat at her table
Where the lights were low and dim
What Frankie didn't know
Wouldn't hurt her none
Then the redhead
Jumped up and slapped him
She slapped him a time or two
She said, I'm Frankie's sister
And I was checking up on you
If you're her man
You better treat her right
Well, the moral of this story
Is be good but carry a stick
Sometimes it looks like a guitar picker
Just can't tell what to pick
He was Frankie's man and
Don't look so sad, I know it's over
But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning
Let's just be glad we had some time to spend together
There's no need to watch the bridges that we're burning
Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops blowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me one more time for the good times
I'll get along, you'll find another
And I'll be here if you should find you ever need me
Don't say a word about tomorrow or forever
There'll be time enough for sadness when you leave me
Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops blowing soft against the window
The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes.
And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave,
To the dark and the endless sky, my love.
And the first time ever I kissed your mouth,
I felt the earth move through my hands.
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command.
And the first time ever I lay with you,
I felt your heart so close to mine.
And I know our joy would fill the earth,
And last till the end of time, my love.
Oh, I am a cheat and I'm a liar, oh, but you're a lovin' ball of fire
I'll leave you like a bum without a penny
And while I'm home with the blues, I'll be hopin' like a kangaroo
When I get off of that fast boat to Sydney
I said, listen to me, baby, I gave up the lovin' trade
I'm tired of all this runnin', jumpin', playin'
But you're like it down under the world with the Australian girls
And there's not a word of truth in what you're sayin'
Oh, but I am a cheat and I'm a liar and you're a lovin' ball of fire
Honey, I'll leave you like a bum without a penny
And while I'm home with the blues, I'll be hopin' like a kangaroo
When I get off of that fast boat to Sydney
This is my greatest act, I've come boomerangin' back
Grinnin' like a Rudolf Valentino
But then you grab your travel load like a swingin' grimmin' dog
And hopped on that fast boat to Sydney
'Cause I'm a cheat and I'm a liar but you're a lovin' ball of fire
Honey, I'll leave you like a bum without a penny
And while I'm home with the blues, I'll be hopin' like a kangaroo
Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder why it should be thus all the day long
While there are others living about us never molested though in the wrong
Farther along we'll know all about it farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine we'll understand it all by and by
[ strings ]
When we see Jesus coming in glory when he comes from his home in the sky
Then we shall meet him in that bright mansion we'll understand it all by and by
There's a boy across the street, lately he's looked very neat
Seems he's always on the run, down the street to 301
(Seems he's always on the run, down the street to 301)
Saturday he mows the lawn, it's about a crack of dawn
Nine o'clock the work's all done, down the street to 301
(Nine o'clock the work's all done, down the street to 301)
When it's back to school this fall, winter's chill may end it all
But for now there's lots of fun, with the girl at 301
(But for now there's lots of fun, with the girl at 301)
Maybe they will never wed, sure they may break up instead
But for now she is the one, the girl who lives at 301
(But for now she is the one, the girl who lives at 301)
The boy who lives across the street has a reason to be neat
He's in love and on the run, with the girl at 301
(He's in love and on the run, with the girl at 301)
Don't you tell 'em to beware of a summer love affair
You know she's his only one, the girl that lives at 301
Well, it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, baby
If you don't know by now
And it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, baby
It will never do anyhow
When your rooster's a crowing at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason why I'm traveling on
But don't think twice, it's all right
An' it ain't no use in turning on your light, baby
The light I never knowed
An' it ain't no use in turning on your light, baby
I'm on the dark side of the road
But I wish there was something I could do or say
To try and make you change your mind and stay
We never did too much talking anyway
But don't think twice, it's all right
Well, it ain't no use in calling out my name, gal
Like you never done before
It ain't no use in calling out my name, gal
I can't hear you anymore
I'm a thinking and a wondering, walking down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right
So long, honey, baby
Where I'm bound, I cannot tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just kinda say, "Fare thee well"
Now I'm not saying that you treated me unkind
You could have done a lot better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
I've got a home in glory land that out-shines the sun.
Way beyond the blue.
Chorus: Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Way beyond the blue.
I took Jesus as my Saviour, You take Him too.
I took Jesus as my Saviour, You take Him too.
I took Jesus as my Saviour, You take Him too.
Way beyond the blue.
Chorus: Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me,
While walking out one evening,not knowing where to go
just to pass the time away,before we held our show
I heard a little mission band,playing with all their might
I gave my heart to Jesus,and left the show that night
Chorus/With mabelle carter
The day will soon be over,and evening will be gone
no more gems to be gathered,so let us all press on
when jesus comes to claim us ,and says it is enough
The diamonds will be shinning,no longer in the rough.
verse (Johnny)
While reading through the Bible,some wonderous sights i see
I read of Peter,James and John by the sea of Galilee
and Jesus when he found them,he found them mighty tough
they were precious diamonds,to be gathered in the rough
Chorus/With mabelle carter
The day will soon be over,and evening will be gone
no more gems to be gathered,so let us all press on
when jesus comes to claim us ,and says it is enough
Early one mornin' while makin' the rounds
I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down
I went right home and I went to bed
I stuck that lovin' 44 beneath my head
Got up next mornin' and I grabbed that gun
Took a shot of cocaine and away I run
Made a good run but I run too slow
They overtook me down in Juarez, Mexico
Late in the hot joints takin' the pill
In walked the sheriff from Jericho Hill
He said, "Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown
You're the dirty hack that shot your woman down"
Said, "Yes, oh yes, my name is Willy Lee
If you've got a warrant just read it to me
Shot her down because she made me slow
I thought I was her daddy but she had five more"
In about five minutes in walked a man
Holding the verdict in his right hand
The verdict read in the first degree
I hollered, "Lordy, Lordy have mercy on me"
The judge he smiled as he picked up his pen
99 years in the Folsom pen
99 years underneath that ground
I can't forget the day I shot that bad bitch down
Come on you gotta' listen to unto me
I've had fame and fortune
Women come knock on my door
I've lived to the limit
Maybe a little bit more
There are so many stories
About how I got out of control
Some say it's a woman
Some say it's my troubled soul
I'm like a crazy old soldier
Fighting a war on my own
Just me and the whiskey
And the bottles are ten thousand strong
You'd think I'd give up
As many times as I've been hit
But like a crazy old soldier
I just don't know when to quit
Bar rooms and bedrooms
Are just faces and places and names
Once for the pleasure
And Lord knows once for the pain
I've tried to forget her
And all of the things that we've done
But as long as there are memories
I'll never hang up my gun
I'm like a crazy old soldier
Fighting a war on my own
Just me and the whiskey
And the bottles are ten thousand strong
You'd think, I'd give up
As many times as I've been hit
But like a crazy old soldier
I just don't know when to quit
Like a crazy old soldier
All day I faced,
a barren waste,
without the taste
of water, cool water.
Old Dan and I,
with throats burned dry,
and souls that cry
for water
cool, clear water.
Keep a moving Dan
don't you listen to him Dan
he's a devil not a man
and he spreads a burning sand with water.
Dan can you see that big green tree,
where the waters' running free,
and it's waiting there for me and you?
It's water, cool, clear water.
The nights are cool,
and I'm a fool,
each stars a pool of water,
cool water.
But with the dawn,
I'll wake and yawn
and carry on to water
cool, clear water.
Keep a moving Dan
don't you listen to him Dan
he's a devil not a man
and he spreads a burning sand with water.
Dan can you see that big green tree,
where the waters' running free,
and it's waiting there for me and you?
It's water, cool, clear water.
cool, clear water.
And she spread her wings and she flew
Yup, the nation was flying now
Taken to the air, in few hours time you could fly over
All those trails blazed by the pioneers
Phonographs were playing the hit songs of the day
Alexanders ragtime band
My mother was a lady and here's a song my mama sing
Back about 1910 or 1915
Come take a trip in my airship
Come take a trip round the stars
Come take a sail around Venus
Come take a sail around Mars
No one to watch while we're kissin'
No one to see while we spoon
Come take a trip in my airship
One of these cold lonesome mornings, you're gonna kill me
I'm gonna lay there and I'm gonna die
You will soon give me pain enough to fill me
'Cause I'm gone past doin' any good to cry
And the warm sunshine is like a stranger
There's a cruel violation with the dawn
Lord, my pain can't stand illumination
And one of these cold lonesome mornings I'll be gone
One of these cold lonesome mornings, dark and early
Before a wild bird sings I'm gonna fly
While it's still dark and I'm still reachin' for you
I'll wake up and I can't cry
But I know my heart can't stand another tremor
Now it's holding together I don't know
But just before the dawning's first glimmer
One of these cold lonesome mornings I'm gonna go
City jail city jail like an old scared dog I tuck my tail
Bow my head and not a careless word is said
Gotta sleep on the floor once more at city jail
Well I was hangin' round the bus station
Mindin' my own business like I always do
When I saw this waitress in this bus station cafe
And I thought I check out the action like I always do
I'd give her the bad eye and made a few choices personal comments
About what I thought mine and her possibilities could be for a team
When she called the badge on me
The badge grabbed me by the arm and he said
What are you doin' hangin' around here for
And I said for whatever's goin' around
City jail city jail...
He said no what I mean is what are you doin'
Sayin' things like that to that lady
And I said what's that lady's doin' with purple hair
Well the badge said you're smart alec and I said no I ain't I'm just hungry
And he said you're actin' like a smart alec
And I said no that's how I act when I get hungry
City jail city jail...
Well he put me outside in a dark corner
And before you could say hypocrite he hit me on the head
And I said oooh don't hit me on the head
I can't protect myself with the handcuffs on
Please don't hit me on the head then he hit me again he hit me again he hit me again
And I said oh oh oh oh oh please don't stand on my feet when you hit me
I break my ankles when I fall
City jail city jail...
Well about that time they threw me in the wagon
And that waitress walked out with a sailor
I said hey you not you I'm talkin' to the purple people eater
Yes you lady quote you're the cause of it all unquote
Then she said to that sailor said get me away from that horrible man Harry
City jail city jail...
I wish I was an apple, a-hangin' on a tree and every time my Cindy passed, she'd take a little bite of me.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, Cindy is my honey the sweetest in the south, when we kissed to bees would all swarm around her mouth.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, I wish I had a needle and thread, fine as I could sow. I'd sow my Cindy to my side and down the road I'd go.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, Cindy got religion. She'd had it once before, she grabbed my ole banjo, man and throw it on the floor.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Well, it's apples in the summer time, peaches in the fall. If I can't have the gal I want I won't have none at all.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day.
Cindy hugged and kissed me, she hung her head and cried, I swore she was the prettiest thing that ever lived or died.
Get along, home, Cindy, Cindy, get along home. Get along home, Cindy, Cindy, I'll marry you one day
There ain't no money to buy cocaine, sugar babe
There ain't no money to buy cocaine, sugar babe
There ain't no money to buy cocaine
Burn your nose and rot your brain, sugar babe
sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around, sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around, sugar babe
I woke up this morning blues all around
Threw on my rags and walked 'round town
standing on a corner don't you see, sugar babe
standing on a corner don't you see, sugar babe
standing on a corner don't you see
they hauled me away for vagrancy, sugar babe
leave that red whiskey alone, sugar babe
leave that red whiskey alone, sugar babe
gives you paulsey in your bones, sugar babe, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out, sugar babe
whatcha gonna do when the meat gives out
standing on the corner mouth and a pout, sugar babe
aw, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town
You get a little crazy then burn your house down
sugar babe, sugar babe
I said Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town, sugar babe
Chattanooga is a fine old town
You get a little crazy then burn your house down
Pick a lot o'cotton drag a long sack comin' across the field well I see Boss Jack
He's a ridin' straddle of a single foot roan
When you know that horse you'll leave him alone
The ole roan's got green in his eyes mean as the devil and twice as wise
A fire in his nose and a bow in his back can't nobody ride him but Boss Jack
Come on children bend your back work a little faster fill your sack
Then you hitch up the wagon take it to the gin finish pickin' before the winter sets in
[ ac.guitar ]
Now here while back when the crop was laid by
Remember who took us on a big fish fry
Caught a heap of catfish goggle eye and carp
Dashed and sang to the guitar and the harp
Well someday old Boss Jack is gonna set us all free
Gabriel gonna blow for you and me
Angels gonna bring that chariot from above floppin' there wings like a turtle dove
Come all you rounders if you wanna hear the story about a brave engineer
Casey Jones was the roller's name on a 68 wheeler course he won his fame
Caller called Casey bout half past four. He kissed his wife at the station door
He climbed in the cabin with his orders in his hand
Said this is the trip to the Promised Land
CHORUS
Casey Jones climbed in the cabin Casey Jones orders in his hand
Casey Jones leanin' out the window taking a trip to the Promised Land
Through South Memphis Yards on a fly rain been a fallin' and the water was high
Everybody knew by the engine's moan that the man at the throttle was Casey Jones
Well Jones said, "Fireman now don't you fret". Sim Webb said "We ain't a givin' up yet.
We're eight hours late with the southbound mail.
We'll be on time or we're leavin' the rails."
Casey Jones climbed in the cabin...
Dead on the rail was a passenger train. Blood was a boilin' in Casey's brain
Casey said "Hey now - look out ahead! Jump, Sim jump or we'll all be dead!"
With a hand on a whistle and a hand on a brake north Mississippi was wide awake.
The IC railroad official said, "He's a good engineer to be a laying dead."
Casey Jones climbed in the cabin...
Headaches and heartaches and all kinds of pain are all the part of a railroad train.
Sweat and toil, the good and the grand are part of the life of a railroad man.
It's a long and a dusty road,
a hot and a heavy load,
and the folks that I meet ain't always kind.
Some are bad, some are good,
some have done the best they could
and some have tried to ease my troubled mind.
And I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
where I'm bound,
can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
I've been wandering through this land,
just doing the best I can,
trying to find what I was meant to do.
And the people that I see
look as woried as can be
and it looks like they are wandering too.
And I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
where I'm bound,
I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
Well I had a little girl one time,
she had lips like sherry wine,
and she loved me till my head went plum insane.
But I was too blind to see
that she was drifting away from me
and my good gal went off on the morning train.
And I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
where I'm bound,
I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
If you see me passing by,
and you sit and you wonder why,
and you wish that you were rambling too.
Nail your shoes to the kitchen floor,
lace them up and bar the door
and thank your stars for the roof thats over you.
And I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
where I'm bound,
I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
I can't help but wonder where I'm bound,
where I'm bound,
A little girl woke up deep in the dark and started cryin'
The mother brought a light and held her daughter tight
She thought it was so strange to hear a little girl of nine
Cry, "Call daddy from the mine, call daddy from the mine"
Her mother wiped the tears and said, "See honey, you're only dreaming
Your dad must work today, he has to draw his pay"
She left her then but still could hear her cry time after time
"Call daddy from the mine, call daddy from the mine"
Then the countryside was shaken by a mighty rumble
And fear for miles around was the trembling of the ground
The little girl was fast asleep, yet cried out one more time
"Call daddy from the mine, call daddy from the mine"
Ten thousand tears and two weeks later deep in the smoking ground
A dying man was found had survived all those around
He'd quickly crawled to a fresh air pocket barely just in time
When he heard his own child whine, "Call daddy from the mine
Well first you gotta wanna get off bad enough to wanna get on him in the first place
And you better trust in your lady luck
Pray to God that she don't give up on you right now
Live fast die young bull rider
One hand hold is all you got it's you and the bull against the clock and a cross crowd
And once upon a spinnin' ton nothin' else you've ever done can pull this way
You're just outside the buckin' shoot
Lose a spur you lose your seat and you lose yourself
By now he's buckin' mean and dirty
Slingin' mud and cowboy boots and kickin' clowns
No fools no fun bull rider
You gotta feel the way he's movin' you gotta watch his head
And brace yourself for anything that a friend of you might dead
You know the art of hangin' loose hangin' just as tight
Well there's something like a hurricane who's dancin' with the kite
Well the rodeo is more than rough
It's a fact of life it's tough to cut his fever ass
It's drinkin' beer and pullin' trailers
Tighten may on barreled razors and horse's buck
No rides no pay bull rider
Live fast die young bull rider
But the land was already claimed by a people
When the cowboy came and when the soldiers came
The story of the American Indian is in a lot of ways
A story of tragedy, like that day at Wounded Knee, South Dakota
Big Foot was an Indian chief
Of the Minneconjou band
A band of Minneconjou Sioux
From South Dakota land
Big Foot said to Custer
"Stay away from Crazy Horse"
But Custer crossed into Sioux land
And he never came back across
Then Big Foot led his people
To a place called Wounded Knee
And they found themselves surrounded
By the 7th Cavalry
Big chief Big Foot
Rise up from your bed
Minneconjou babies cry
For their mothers lying dead
Big Foot was down with a fever
When he reached Wounded Knee
And his people all were prisoners
Of the 7th Cavalry
Two hundred women and children
And another hundred men
Raised up a white flag of peace
But peace did not begin
An accidental gunshot
And Big Foot was first to die
And over the noise of the rifles
You could hear the babies cry
Big chief Big Foot
It's good that you can't see
Revenge is being wrought
By Custer's 7th Cavalry
Then smoke hung over the canyon
On that cold December day
All was death and dying
Around where Big Foot lay
Farther on up the canyon
Some had tried to run and hide
But death showed no favorites
Women, men, and children died
One side called it a massacre
The other a victory
But the white flag is still waving
Today at Wounded Knee
Big chief Big Foot
Your Minneconjou band
Is more than remembered here
Big John, big John
Every morning at the mine, you could see him arrive
He stood 6 foot 6, and weighed 245
Kind of broad at the shoulder, narrow at the hip
And everybody knew you didn't give no lip to big John
Big John, big John
Big, bad John
Big John
Nobody seemed to know where John called home
He just drifted into town and stayed all alone
He didn't say much, kind of quiet and shy
And if you spoke at all, you'd just said hi to big John
Somebody said he came from New Orleans
Where he got into a fight over a Cajun Queen
And a crashing blow from a huge right hand
Sent a Louisiana fella to the promised land
Big John, big John
Big, bad John
Big John
Then came that day at the bottom of the mine
When a timber cracked and men started crying
Miners were praying, and hearts beat fast
And everybody thoughtthey (knew that they) had breathed their last 'cept John
Through the dust and the smoke of this man made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a sagging timber and gave out with a groan
And like a giant oak tree just stood there alone, big John
Big John, big John
Big, bad John
Big John
And with all of his strength, he gave a mighty shove
Then a miner yelled out, "There's a light up above!"
And 20 men scrambled from a would be grave
Now there's only one left down there to save, big John
With jacks and timbers, they started back down
Then came that rumble way down in the ground
And as smoke and gas smelched out of that mine
Everybody knew it was the end of the line for big John
Big John, big John
Big, bad John
Big John
Now they never reopened that worthless pit
They just placed a marble sign in front of it
These few words are written on that sign
'At the bottom of this mine, lies a big big man, big John'
Big John, big John
Big, bad John
Well, the bible tells us about a man
Who ruled Babylon and all its land.
Around the city, he built a wall
And declared that Babylon would never fall.
He had concubines and wives,
He called his Babylon "Paradise."
On his throne he drank and ate,
but for Belshazar it was gettin' late.
For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting,
His kingdom was divided, couldn't stand.
He was weighed in the balance and found wanting,
His houses were built upon the sand.
Well, the people feasted and drank their wine
And praised the false gods of his time.
All holy things they scorned and mocked,
But suddenly all their mocking stopped.
For on the wall, there appeared a hand,
Nothin' else, there was no man.
In blood the hand began to write,
And Belshazar couldn't hide his fright.
For he was weighed in the balance and found wanting,
His kingdom was divided, couldn't stand.
He was weighed in the balance and found wanting,
His houses were built upon the sand.
Well, no one around could understand
What was written by the mystic hand.
Belshazar tried, but couldn't find
A man who could give him peace of mind.
But Daniel, the prophet, a man of God,
He saw the writing on the wall in blood.
Belshazar asked him what it said,
And Daniel turned to the wall and read:
"My friend, you're weighed in the balance and found wanting,
Your kingdom is divided, it can't stand.
You're weighed in the balance and found wanting,
1776 the thirteen colonies
Broke away from British rule and took a stand
"We're on our own", they said
And they looked across the land
With a defiant challenge
They looked across the land
"We will conquer you", the colonists said
We see your mighty mountains
We know of your lush green valleys
We're comin' to claim you, to tame you"
I asked my love to take a walk
Take a walk just a little ways
And as we walked, along we talk
All would be our wedding day
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I asked her if she'd marry me
And my wife forever be
She only turned her head away
And had no other words to say
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I plunged a knife into her breast
And told her she was going to rest
She cried "Oh Willy, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity"
I took her by her golden curls
And drug her down to the river side
And there I threw her into drown
And I watched her as she floated down
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And going home between twelve and one
I cried "Oh Lord, what have I've done?"
I've killed the only girl I love
Because she would not marry me
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Fighting soldiers from the sky,
Fearless men, Who jump and die.
Men who mean, Just what they say.
The brave men, Of the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest,
These are men, America's best.
One Hundred men Will test today,
But only three, Win the Green Beret.
Trained to live off nature's land,
Trained in combat, hand to hand.
Men who fight by night and day,
Courage pique, From the Green Beret.
Silver wings Upon their chest,
These are men, America's best.
One hundred men will test today,
But only three win the green beret
Back at home a young wife waits,
Her Green Beret has met his fate.
he has died for those oppressed,
Leaving her his last request
Put silver wings On my son's chest,
Make him one of America's best.
He'll be a man they'll test one day.
They had a warrant out for me all over the country
And I was trying to beat the raps in Idaho
I was breaking into a schoolhouse Sunday morning without warning
When I saw the sheriff coming for me slow from down below
His steel gray eyes were blazing when he saw me
His hand was on his gun when he rode up
He said you killed that woman I know you shot her why'd you do it
I'm taking you to Austin then I'm gonna lock you up
Well he tied me with a plow line the next morning
And he had me deep in Texas the next day
A crazy screaming lynch mob waited in the streets of Austin
But he put me in the jail house and he threw the key away
A jury found me guilty three months later
Twelve evil men with murder in their eyes
They even took me out
And said now show us where you killed her
And that wicked judge said
Now I here by sentence you to die
But here I am far away from Austin prison
My friend the jailer handed me a file
Now all I want between me
And there are a lot of friendly people
And miles and miles and miles
Well, I asked an old truck driver
About life out on the road
If he does a lotta singing
When he's bringing in his load
If there's a pretty waitress crying for him
Every hundred miles
If he gets a lotta loving
If he has a lot of smiles
And I asked him if those trucking songs
Tell about a life like his
He said, if you want to know the truth about it
Here's the way it is
All I do is drive, drive, drive
Try to stay alive
And keep my mind on my load
Keep my eye upon the road
I got nothin' in common with any man
Who's home every day at five
All I do is drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive
Well, we shared a cup of coffee
Then I had to warm it up
And his greasy fingers trembled
As he held onto the cup
And I said, don't you hear a lot of music
See a lot of sights
But if you'll tune into the Grand Ole Opry
Saturday night
I will dedicate you a trucking song
To which you can relate
He said, you just do the singing
And I'll do the driving mate
All I do is drive, drive, drive
Try to stay alive
And keep my mind on my load
Keep my eye upon the road
I got nothin' in common with any man
Who's home every day at five
All I do is drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive
If I can get the fuel
As long as I live if it be one hour or if it be one hundred years
I'll keep remembering forever and ever I'll love you dear as long as I live
It was easy said that night we parted that we'd forget we ever met
I haven't forgotten I wonder if you have or if your heart is full of regret
As long as I live...
Lord, she's restless like cotton candy clouds
That sail the day slow and free
And she possesses a mind that can't resign itself
To stay for long with me
Though I've tried and tried to keep her tied and satisfied
Until she really needs me, yes I do
But when that certain look comes on her face
I can't replace it and she leaves me
She's a butterfly in mid July who just can't wait
To try her brand new wings on brand new things
And she needs no rhyme or reason, when she goes
Her mind is on what lies beyond
That wall of blue horizon, I suppose and heaven knows
She'll go sailin' off on any old wind that blows
Yes, she will, yes, she will
She'll go sailin' off on any old wind that blows
I know she needs me about
as much as I need someone else
Which I don't and if need be
I swear some day I'll up and leave myself, which I won't
Even if she loved another man
I'd understand it more than I do
Mmm, mmm, mmm but I know the only reason
Another man done gone (another man done gone)
Another man done gone another man done gone another man done gone
Another man done gone (another man done gone
Another man done gone another man done gone)
He had a long chain on (he had a long chain on
He had a long chain on he had a long chain on)
They hung him in a tree they hung him in a tree
They let his children see they let his children see
(When he was hangin' dead) when he was hangin' dead
The captain turn his head the captain turn his head
He's from the county farm (he's from the county farm
He's from the county farm he's from the county farm)
I didn't know his name (I didn't know his name
I didn't know his name I didn't know his name)
Another man done gone another man done gone another man done gone
Another man done gone (another man done gone
Another man done gone another man done gone)
Always alone, alone and blue
I've got no one to tell my troubles to
No one to care, to call my own
It seems that I must always be alone
The day you left, you broke my heart
I need you so but we're so far apart
You didn't care, I should have known
That you would go and leave me all alone
There is no one to take your place
Each night in dreams I see your smiling face
When I awake and find you gone
Proudly swept the raincloud by cliffs
as on it glided through the trees
still following with glee pahaha liko
the a hihi lehua of the vale
Aloha oe, aloha oe
e ke onaona noho i ka lipo
one fond embrace a hoi ea eu
until we meet again
Aloha oe, aloha oe
e ke onaona noho i ka lipo
one fond embrace a hoi ea eu
I'd sing more about moral of this land
But all God's children ain't free
I'd open up every door I can
'Cause all God's children ain't free
I met a beaten broken man
He shovels dirt but got no land
And he held out his hand to me
All God's children ain't free
I'd sing along too, a silly song
But all God's children ain't free
I'm gonna sing the blues for the men they done wrong
'Cause all God's children ain't free
Mister, how about the man you condemn to die?
But taking everything that he's livin' by
And reject him from society
All God's children ain't free
No, reject him from society
All God's children ain't free
I'd be happy walking any street
But all God's children ain't free
I'd have a smile for all I meet
But all God's children ain't free
I'd whistle down the road but I wouldn't feel right
I'd hear somebody cryin' out at night
From a sharecropper shack or penitentiary
All God's children ain't free
From a sharecropper shack or penitentiary
One night after a concert
I walked through the streets of the town
And came upon a little church
The service was over but the testimonials had just begun
People caught up in the spirit of the night
Just didn't want to leave
So I stepped inside the door
And sat down by a little old lady in the back
A man stood up in front and said
I'm just want all of you to know that
I'm going straight to heaven as fast as I can go
Well, my daddy left home when I was threeAnd he didn't leave much to ma and meJust this old guitar and an empty bottle of boozeNow, I don't blame him 'cause he run and hidBut the meanest thing that he ever didWas before he left, he went and named me Sue
Well, he must o' thought that is quite a jokeAnd it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folkIt seems I had to fight my whole life throughSome gal would giggle and I'd get redAnd some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his headI tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named Sue
Well, I grew up quick and I grew up meanMy fist got hard and my wits got keenI'd roam from town to town to hide my shameBut I made me a vow to the moon and starsThat I'd search the honky tonks and barsAnd kill that man who gave me that awful name
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid JulyAnd I just hit town and my throat was dryI thought I'd stop and have myself a brewAt an old saloon on a street of mudThere at a table, dealing studSat the dirty, mangy dog that named me Sue
Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dadFrom a worn out picture that my mother hadAnd I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eyeHe was big and bent and gray and oldAnd I looked at him and my blood ran coldAnd I said, "My name is Sue! How do you do?Now you're gonna die"
Well, I hit him hard right between the eyesAnd he went down, but to my surpriseHe come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my earBut I busted a chair right across his teethAnd we crashed through the wall and into the streetKicking and a' gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer
I tell ya, I've fought tougher menBut I really can't remember whenHe kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodileI heard him laugh and then I heard him curseHe went for his gun and I pulled mine firstHe stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile
And he said, "Son, this world is roughAnd if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be toughAnd I knew I wouldn't be there to help you alongSo I give you that name and I said goodbyeI knew you'd have to get tough or dieAnd it's the name that helped to make you strong"
He said, "Now you just fought one hell of a fightAnd I know you hate me, and you got the rightTo kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you doBut you ought to thank me, before I dieFor the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye'Cause I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you Sue
Hello, I'm Johnny Cash
One night I had a backstage pass
To a Willie Nelson show
There were wackoes and weirdoes and dingbats and dodoes
And athletes and movie stars and David Allan Coe
There was leather and lace and every minority race
With a backstage pass to the Willie Nelson show
Kristofferson got an offer for a movie
Promoters closed another deal or two
Waylon got a call from his son Shooter
And he went home the minute he was through
I moved with the mob at intermission
To the green room where you see who you can see
There were has-been's and would-be's and never-were's
Paupers, punks and millionaires and me
And there were wackoes and weirdoes and dingbats and dodoes
And athletes and movie stars and David Allan Coe
There was leather and lace and every minority race
With a backstage pass to the Willie Nelson show
Hell's Angels blocked the traffic to the building
In order for the beer truck to come through
And waitin' in the wings to sing with Willie
Were hopeful stars of flickering magnitude
There was a singer Willie knew back in the fifties
Who once paid him fifty dollars for a song
There were women who once did and some who still would
I heard one ask, "Did Connie come along?"
And there were wackoes and weirdoes and dingbats and dodoes
And athletes and movie stars and David Allan Coe
Leather and lace and every minority race
With a backstage pass to the Willie Nelson show
I wish, you could've been there
My latest sun is sinkin' fast
My race is nearly run
My strongest trials now are past
My triumph has begun
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
I've almost gained my heavenly home
My spirit loudly sings
The holy ones, behold, they come
I hear the sound of wings
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh come, angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh, bear me away on your snow white wings
I have heard of a land on the far away strand
'Tis a beautiful home of the soul
Built by Jesus on high, there we never shall die
'Tis a land where we never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we'll never grow old
Never grow old, never grow old
In a land where we'll never grow old
In that beautiful home where we'll never more roam
We shall be in the sweet by and by
Happy praise to the king thru eternity sing
'Tis a land where we never shall die
When our work here is done and the life crown is won
And out troubles and trials are o'er
All our sorrows will end and our voices will blend
Maybe it's just about time I told you I'm all through with you
But just about the time I start to tell you I start feeling blue
And just about then I lose my nerve and wait another day or two
Cause just about the time I think it's over I start missing you
It's just about time I had my sayin' I told you a thing or two
It's just about time I paid you back you treat me like you do
But just about the time I get the nerve I can't seem to carry through
Cause just about then an mpty feelin' reminds me I miss you
[ guitar ]
It's just about time I let you know I've had my fill of you
But just about the time I think about goin' I start missin' you
I'd like to go find another love that'll never be untrue
The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through
Someone slipped and fell, was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew
Do not be discouraged, for I have news for you
It is no secret what God can do
What He's done for others, He'll do for you
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
There is no night for in His light we'll never walk alone
Always feel at home, wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side
Just take Him at His promise, don't run away and hide
It is no secret what God can do
What He's done for others, He'll do for you
With arms wide open, He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
Six foot six he stood on the ground
He weighed two hundred and thirty-five pounds
But I saw that giant of a man brought down
To his knees by love
He was the kind of man that would gamble on luck
Look you in the eye and never back up
But I saw him crying like a little whipped pup
Because of love
You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can lift you up never let you down
Take your world and turn it around
Ever since time nothing's ever been found
That's stronger than love
Most men are like me, they struggle and doubt
They trouble their minds day in and day out
Too busy with livin' to worry about
A little word like love
But when I see a mother's tenderness
As she holds her young close to her breast
Then I think god that the world's been blessed
With a thing called love
You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can lift you up never let you down
Take your world and turn it around
Ever since time nothing's ever been found
Once my soul was astray from the heavenly way
I was wretched and blind as could be
But my Savior in love gave me peace from above
When he reached down his hand for me
When the Savior reached down for me
When he reached down his hand for me
I was lost and undone without God or his Son
When he reached down his hand for me
How my heart does rejoice when I hear his sweet voice
In a tempest to him I can cling
I can lean on his arm safe and sure from all harm
When he reaches down his hand for me
I have sailed the peaceful waters
Of the ocean deep and blue
I held my breath and watched
The western sunset's golden hue
I've flown above the mountain peaks
And valley's wide and green
But you're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen
You're the nearest thing to heaven, yes you are
I have searched for happiness so long and far
But my search for love was through
The day that I found you
'Cause you're the nearest thing to heaven, yes you are
I confess that I've been tempted
By a luring magic charm
When a smile was flashed my way
And stood before two open arms
But I turned and walked away because
I love you like I do
You're the nearest thing to heaven, darling you
You're the nearest thing to heaven, yes you are
I have searched for happiness so long and far
But my search for love was through
The day that I found you
'Cause you're the nearest thing to heaven, yes you are
I have watched the silver raindrops
Fall to earth to cool the day
Watched the rainbow at twilight
When the clouds had blown away
I loved the pretty flowers
But he cannot buy their worth
But you're the nearest thing to heaven on this earth
You're the nearest thing to heaven, yes you are
I have searched for happiness for long and far
But my search for love was through
The day that I found you
You were young and needed love and I was wild and free
But every time you said a prayer you said a prayer for me
Why the ring upon your hand we vowed fidelity
There were times when I forgot but you remembered me
(There were times when I forgot but you remembered me)
You remembered only that wedding bells would ring
You remembered only to count the days till spring
You knew only love and honor but I couldn't see
I regret that I forgot cause you remembered me
(I regret that I forgot cause you remembered me)
[ guitar ]
I believed that promises were made to break apart
But every time I broke a vow I always broke your heart
So here's to you God bless you now wherever you may be
There were times that I forgot but you remembered me
(There were times that I forgot but you remembered me)
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
An don`t be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me and love another,
You'll regret it all some day:
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between.
But now you've left me and love another;
You have shattered all of my dreams:
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away
In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains.
So when you come back and make me happy
I'll forgive you dear, I'll take all the blame.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Like a sweet rippling mountain stream
Goes the sound of the banjo on Cripple Creek
Never beginning never ending just rippling on and on
So does the land just ripple on and on
As a heart gets soft on a woman
So can the heart get soft on the land
And to fall in love with a woman
As well as the land is to surely be in love
I stayed away too long I know
And every day was slow to go
Every night I dreamed I was here
It's been a mighty lonely year
Every mile I needed you
I kinda hope that you needed me too
Everywhere I saw your face around
Every town I was in
This old familiar place welcomed me again
Back to where I belonged
To be back to you and Tennessee
Back to you and Tennessee
Beside the Cumberland River
Where the grass is soft and sweet
We ran across the fields of cedar
Hiding from the noisy streets
And when the leaves fell from the cold
The stars were silver the moon was gold
I said it's yours with love from me
I'm planting my roots in this ground
And when they look for me I'll be found
With something that is part of me
You and Tennessee
Well, they gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
Said, "Steve, you're way behind time
This is not 38, this is Old 97
Put her into Spencer on time"
Then he turned around and said to his black, greasy fireman
"Shovel on a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak Mountain
Watch Old 97 roll"
And then a telegram come from Washington station
This is how it read
"Oh that brave engineer that run Old 97
Is lyin' in old Danville dead"
'Cause he was going down a grade making 90 miles an hour
The whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
Scalded to death by the steam
One more time
Oh, now all you ladies you'd better take a warning
From this time on and learn
Never speak hard words to your true-lovin' husband
Johnny Cash & Sandy Kelly
Woodcarver
(Sandy)
Woodcarver carve me the house of my dreams
Carve me a valley, make me a stream
That runs through the mountains and under the trees
Woodcarver do this for me
(Johnny)
Well I can Carve you a house out of oak out of pine
Make you a castle that sits on the Rhine
Even a cottage that no one can find
With a sun that forever will shine
(Johnny)
But I can't make it real for you
It's only as real as the wood that I use
I can't make your dreams come true
That's something you'll have to do
(Sandy)
Woodcarver carve me the love I can't find
Make him gentle, tender and kind
Carve him a heart that will always be mine
Woodcarver take your time
(Johnny)
Well I can carve you a knight or a cowboy in jeans
Or maybe a sailor coming home from the sea
As hard as the oak or as soft as the pine
Just like the man you can't find
(Johnny)
But I can't make it real for you
It's only as real as the wood that I use
I can't make your dreams come true
That's something you'll have to do
(Sandy)
Woodcarver do you mind if I watch
Your hands are so smooth and your chisel so sharp
I promise that I will not get in your way
Woodcarver please let me stay
(Johnny)
Well I can carve you your house
I can carve you your man
But I can give you much more
With these wood carving hands
(Johnny)
No you won't be a bother
If you want to stay
Do you know what
I'm trying to say
(Johnny)
I could make it real for you
I'm as real as the wood that I use
I could make your dreams come true
There's nothing more you'd have to do
(Sandy)
O woodcarver make it come true
(Sandy)
Woodcarver carve me the house of my dreams
Carve me a valley, make me a stream
That runs through the mountains and under the trees
I am stunned and I am broken and my head is in my hand
For she who said she love me will not wed an Indian man
My Gods who were wild ridden stand quiet by my side
For although I loved her she would not be my bride
Oh goodbye softly sweet one it was splended while it ran
Goodbye my bitter white girl I'll forget you if I can
She came up to the pueblo with her bright blonde hair
They told me not to love her but I did not care
She took me to her parties she carried me around
And I was a proud one the tallest man in town
For I found great wonder all wrapped in brilliant dreams
I held her strong but gentle as kings have held their queens
I learned to drink strong whiskey as she took me here and there
Until life without my whiskey I could not bear
Oh goodbye softly sweet one...
[ guitar ]
Well when she came to leave me she took me by the arm
And she said she loved me and would not do me harm
But she would not marry not an Indian she said
She thanked me for my offer and I wished that I was dead
Now I'm back among my people and they are kind to me
Although I'm sad with staggers when I drink that tough whiskey
For I've been a white girl's pet a captive Indian
Shown off and discarded just a drunk who might have been
Oh goodbye softly sweet one...
To Canaan's land I'm on my way
Where the soul (of man) never dies
My darkest night will turn to day
Where the soul (of man) never dies
(lead)
No sad farewells
No tear dimmed eyes
Where all is love
And the soul never dies
(tenor)
Dear friends there'll be no sad farewells
There'll be no tear-dimmed eyes
Where all is peace and joy and love
And the soul of man never dies
The rose is blooming there for me
Where the soul (of man) never dies
And I will spend eternity
Where the soul (of man) never dies
The love light beams across the foam
Where the soul (of man) never dies
It shines and lights the way to home
Where the soul (of man) never dies
My life will end in deathless sleep
Where the soul (of man) never dies
And everlasting joys I'll reap
Where the soul (of man) never dies
I'm on my way to that fair land
Where the soul (of man) never dies
Where there will be no parting hand
Come on, come on, it's going to get crazy in the city
Askin' God is he really coming back to get me or playing with, yeah
And everything I ever learned as a child
Revelations the whole worlds going wild
Lord come now, yeah
Got my pistol, got my bottle, got my war face
and if the church is the only place I feel safe
But I got faith and I mean real faith
Not Faith Evans I'm talking 'bout the faith
That places you in heaven
When I see the Lord I'ma bow down
And shoot a bird at them devils 'cause it's on now it's on now
When he comes
No where to run on that day
The world gonna pay
When he comes
Yeah, I can see Jesus in all white
Riding on a stallion like a night
Ready to fight yeah, and I'm gonna to be right beside him
Got my A K cocked right beside him
Behind him yeah, nothing but thugs on the Lords side
And I was sent to heaven where we reside
Ready to ride ain't no mo nickels and dimes prime time
Captured for my savors blood yeah, the wine
Believe it now time to come to take over
Better watch ya language son God's Jehovah
And when it all over and I am acknowledge
To show that I did it and did in college I followed
My own, my own soul, the Lion of Judaaa
When he comes
No where to run on that day
The world gonna pay
When he comes
Heavenly father I pray right now
For everyone under the sound of my voice
That they come to know you
As Lord and Savior in there lives
Help us Lord to understand that you are soon
To come for your people
And we won't have time to get ready
But must already, be ready
For in the bosom of an eye
You shall appear to receive Your all
Unto Yourself our hearts desire oh Lord
Is to be ready when You come
Help us Lord to forgive one another
Just as you forgave on Calvirage cross
Help us to love one another
Just as you loved and gave your only son
That we shall not perish but shall have everlasting lives
Help us Lord to stand in your righteousness
And to [unverified] every barrier of racial, and ethnic
The old man turned off the radio
Said, where did all of the old songs go
Kids sure play funny music these days
They play it in the strangest ways
Said, it looks to me like they've all gone wild
It was peaceful back when I was a child
Well, man, could it be that the girls and boys
Are trying to be heard above your noise
And the lonely voice of youth
Cries what is truth
A little boy of three sitting on the floor
Looks up and says, daddy, what is war
Son, that's when people fight and die
The little boy of three says, daddy, why
Young man of seventeen in Sunday school
Being taught the golden rule
And by the time another year has gone around
It may be his turn to lay his life down
Can you blame the voice of youth
For asking what is truth
Young man sitting on the witness stand
The man with the book says raise your hand
Repeat after me, I solemnly swear
The man looked down at his long hair
And although the young man solemnly swore
Nobody seems to hear anymore
And it didn't really matter
If the truth was there
It was the cut of his clothes
And the length of his hair
And the lonely voice of youth
Cries what is truth
The young girl dancing to the latest beat
Has found new ways to move her feet
The young man speaking in the city square
Is trying to tell somebody that he cares
Yeah, the ones that you're calling wild
Are going to be the leaders in a little while
This old world's waking to a new born day
And I solemnly swear that it'll be their way
You better help that voice of youth
Find what is truth
And the lonely voice of youth
When I'm all through
If I haven't been
What they think I should be
If the total isn't high enough
When they figure me
When I grow old
If there's no gray
From worry in my hair
What do I care
What do I care
What do I care
Just as long as you
Were mine a little while
When the road was long and weary
You gave me a few good miles
What do I care if I miss
A goal because I make a slip
I'll still be satisfied because
I tasted your sweet lips
What do I care
If I never have much money
And sometimes my table
Looks a little bare
Anything that I may miss is
Made up for each time we kiss
You love me and I love you
So what do I care
What do I care
Just as long as you
Were mine a little while
When the road was long and weary
You gave me a few good miles
What do I care if I miss
A goal because I make a slip
I'll still be satisfied because
I tasted your sweet lips
What do I care
If I never have much money
And sometimes my table
Looks a little bare
Anything that I may miss is
Made up for each time we kiss
You love me and I love you
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know
We'll meet again
Some sunny day
Keep smilin' thru
Just like you
Always do
'Til the blue skies drive
The dark clouds
Far away
And will you please say hello
to the folks that I know
Tell'em that I won't be long
And they'll be happy to know
That when you saw me go
I was singing this song
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know
We'll meet again
Some sunny day
Yeah we'll meet again
I don't know where
I don't know when
But I do know
That we'll meet again
Some sunny day
So Honey
Keep on smilin' thru
Just like you always do
'Til the blue skies
Drive the dark clouds
Far away
And would you please say hello
To all the folks that I know
And tell'em I won't be long
They'll be happy to know
That when you saw me go
I was singing this song
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know
We'll meet again
Wanted man in California,
Wanted man in Buffalo
Wanted man in Kansas City,
Wanted man in Ohio
Wanted man in Mississippi,
Wanted man in ol' Cheyenne
Wherever you might look tonight you might see this wanted man
I might be in Colorado,
Or Georgia by the sea
Working for some man who may not know at all who I might be
If you ever see me coming and if you know who I am
Don't you breathe it to nobody 'cause you know I'm on the lamb
Wanted man by Lucy Watson,
Wanted man by Jeannie Brown
Wanted man by Nellie Johnson,
Wanted man in this next town
I've had all that I wanted of a lot of things I've had
And a lot more than I needed of some things that turned out bad
I got sidetracked in El Paso,
Stopped to get myself a map
Went the wrong way in Pleura with Juanita on my back
Went to sleep in Shreveport,
Woke up in Abilene
Wonderin' why I'm wanted at some town half way in between
Wanted man in Albuquerque,
Wanted man in Syracuse
Wanted man in Tallahassee,
Wanted man in Baton Rouge
There's somebody set to grab me
Anywhere that I might be
And wherever you might look tonight
You might get a glimpse of me
Wanted man in California,
Wanted man in Buffalo
Wanted man in Kansas City,
Wanted man in Ohio
Wanted man in Mississippi,
Wanted man in ol' Cheyenne
Here's a song called Virgie
That I wrote for aunt Virgie Haughs
And I dedicate it to her husband, to her children
And the countless people that loved her so much
Virgie, your house was always warm
And my bed was always ready when I came
Virgie, in the middle of the night
You would welcome friends of mine without a name
And you could always hear and see, the turning of the key
And your laughing voice to me was like a song
Virgie, your spirit sweet and free
Is living still with me though you are gone
Virgie, you spoke softly and kind
And you'd never say a word to criticize
Virgie, your children love you so
More than we ever let you realize
And day or night I knew that I could bring my cares to you
And when I was wrong, you'd never put me down
Virgie, there's so much I could say
But I can't find the way to write it down
Early one mornin' while makin' the rounds
Took a transfusion and I shot my woman down
Went right home and I went to bed I stuck that lovin' 44 beneath my head
Got up next mornin' and I grabbed that gun took a transfusion and away I run
Made a good run but I run too slow they overtook me down in Juarez Mexico
Late in the hot joints takin' the pills in walked the sheriff from Jericho Hill
He said Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown
You're the dirty hack that shot your woman down
Said yes oh yes my name is Willy Lee
If you've got a warrant just a read it to me
Shot her down because she made me slow
I thought I was her daddy but she had five more
When I was arrested I was dressed in black put me on a train and they took me back
Had no friends for to go my bail they slapped my dried up carcass in that country jail
Into the courtroom my trial began where I was handled by twelve honest men
Just before the jury started out I saw the little judge commenced to look about
In about five minutes in walked the man holding the verdict in his right hand
Verdict read in the first degree I hollered Lowdy Lowdy have a mercy on me
The judge he smiled as he picked up his ben 99 years in the San Quentin pen
99 years underneath that ground I can't forget the day I shot my woman down
As long as the moon shall rise as long as the rivers flow
As long as the sun will shine as long as the grass shall grow
The Senecas are an Indian tribe of the Iroquios nation
Down on the New York Pennsylvania Line you'll find their reservation
After the US revolution cornplanter was a chief
He told the tribe these men they could trust that was his true belief
He went down to Independence Hall and there was a treaty signed
That promised peace with the USA and Indian rights combined
George Washington gave his signature the Government gave its hand
They said that now and forever more that this was Indian land
As long as the moon shall rise...
On the Seneca reservation there is much sadness now
Washington's treaty has been broken and there is no hope no how
Across the Allegheny River they're throwing up a dam
It will flood the Indian country a proud day for Uncle Sam
It has broke the ancient treaty with a politician's grin
It will drown the Indians graveyards cornplanter can you swim
The earth is mother to the the Senecas they're trampling sacred ground
Change the mint green earth to black mud flats as honor hobbles down
As long as the moon shall rise...
The Iroquios Indians used to rule from Canada way south
But no one fears the Indians now and smiles the liar's mouth
The Senecas hired an expert to figure another site
But the great good army engineers said that he had no right
Although he showed them another plan and showed them another way
They laughed in his face and said no deal Kinuza dam is here to stay
Congress turned the Indians down brushed off the Indians plea
So the Senecas have renamed the dam they call it Lake Perfidy
As long as the moon shall rise...
Washington Adams and Kennedy now hear their pledges ring
The treaties are safe we'll keep our word but what is that gurgling
It's the back water from Perfidy Lake it's rising all the time
Over the homes and over the fields and over the promises fine
No boats will sail on Lake Perfidy in winter it will fill
In summer it will be a swamp and all the fish will kill
But the Government of the USA has corrected George's vow
The father of our country must be wrong what's an Indian anyhow
As long as the moon shall rise (look up) as long as the rivers flow (are you thirsty)
Every town has its town bum
I guess ours had one
Here's a song about him, I remember him fondly
Well his name was Abner Brown
I knew an old drunk named Abner Brown
And nobody knew when he came to town
But he spread good will to his fellow men
And they let him sleep in the cotton gin
He could drink more brew than an army could
But he had more friends and he did more good
Than a lot of fine fancy people in our town
So they tolerated Abner Brown
And all us kids were on his side
'Cause he told us tales till our eyes grew wide
And he made us feel bout ten feet tall
'Cause he had no kids but he claimed us all
And after school and on weekends
You could find me down at the cotton gin
The truest friend that I ever found was
A good old drunk named Abner Brown
Abner Brown, I wish that I could see you once again
I believe that you'd stack up with all the mighty men
I've met and known in all the low
And higher places that I've been
Thinking of you picks me up when I'm feeling down
I thank the Lord for making Abner Brown
Lord take me back to the cotton land
To Arkansas take me home again
Let me be the boy that I once have been
Let me walk that road to the cotton gin
He's probably dead many years ago
And gone the way that old drunks go
But I'd still like to sit me down
Talk to my old friend, Abner Brown
Abner Brown, I wish
Well, my name it is Sam Hall, Sam Hall.
Yes, my name it is Sam Hall; it is Sam Hall.
My name it is Sam Hall an' I hate you, one and all.
An' I hate you, one and all:
Damn your eyes.
I killed a man, they said; so they said.
I killed a man, they said; so they said.
I killed a man, they said an' I smashed in his head.
An' I left him layin' dead,
Damn his eyes.
But a-swingin', I must go; I must go.
A-swingin', I must go; I must go.
A-swingin', I must go while you critters down below,
Yell up: "Sam, I told you so."
Well, damn your eyes!
I saw Molly in the crowd; in the crowd.
I saw Molly in the crowd; in the crowd.
I saw Molly in the crowd an' I hollered, right out loud:
"Hey there Molly, ain't you proud?
"Damn your eyes."
Then the Sherriff, he came to; he came to.
Ah, yeah, the Sherriff, he came to; he came to.
The Sherriff, he come to an he said: "Sam, how are you?"
An I said: "Well, Sherriff, how are you,
"Damn your eyes."
My name is Samuel, Samuel.
My name is Samuel, Samuel.
My name is Samuel, an' I'll see you all in hell.
An' I'll see you all in hell,
Moses led God's children out to find the promised land
And on the way he'd stop each day and look to Heaven and
Asked God for help as he could not withstand the task alone
And then one day he looked away and thereby lay a stone
God said write upon this stone these words I say to you
And if you all obey my rules I'll see you safely through
God opened Heaven's door and then He guided Moses' hands
And then He said go and tell my children these are my commands
Go and climb that mountain Moses climb that mountain now and pray
Climb that mountain now and tell us what our Lord has had to say
Thou shalt have no Gods before me is my great command
And thou shalt not make any graven image by thy hand
Thou shalt not take my name in vain if thou would guiltless be
Remember thou to keep the sabbath day alone for me
Honor thy father and thy mother and thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not commit adult'ry and thou shalt not steal
Love thy neighbor as thyself and show thy neighbor peace
Covet not thy neighbor's house nor anything that's his
Go and climb that mountain...
Moses showed these words of God to all the children then
They pulled up stakes and headed out to find the promised land
That Moses had described to them and told of comforts there
The children of oppression thought they'd not find anywhere
But they were soon to part from him and push alone awhile
For it was never meant for him to walk that final mile
The children cried if we must go on Moses without you
Then talk to God just one more time and tell us what to do
Go and climb that mountain...
There once was a musical troupe
A pickin' singin' folk group
They sang the mountain ballads
And the folk songs of our land
They were long on musical ability
Folks thought they would go far
But political incompatibility led to their downfall
Well, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear was a Methodist
This musical aggregation toured the entire nation
Singing the traditional ballads
And the folk songs of our land
They performed with great virtuosity
And soon they were the rage
But political animosity prevailed upon the stage
Well, the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear burned his driver's license
Well the curtain had ascended
A hush fell on the crowd
As thousands there were gathered to hear The folk songs of our land
But they took their politics seriously
And that night at the concert hall
As the audience watched deliriously
They had a free-for-all
Well, the one on the right was on the bottom
And the one in the middle was on the top
And the one on the left got a broken arm
And the guy in the rear, said, "Oh dear"
Now this should be a lesson if you plan to start a folk group
Don't go mixin' politics with the folk songs of our land
Just work on harmony and diction
Play your banjo well
And if you have political convictions keep them to yourself
Now, the one on the left works in a bank
And the one in the middle drives a truck
The one on the right's an all-night deejay
It all began when they took me from my home
And put me on Death Row,
a crime for which I am totally innocent, you know.
I began to warm and chill
To objects and their fields,
A ragged cup, a twisted mop
The face of Jesus in my soup
Those sinister dinner deals
The meal trolley's wicked wheels
A hooked bone rising from my food
All things either good or ungood.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this weighing of the truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die.
I hear stories from the chamber
Christ was born into a manger
And like some ragged stranger
He died upon the cross
Might I say, it seems so fitting in its way
He was a carpenter by trade
Or at least that's what I'm told
My kill-hand's
tatooed E.V.I.L. across it's brother's fist
That filthy five! They did nothing to challenge or resist.
In Heaven His throne is made of gold
The ark of his Testament is stowed
A throne from which I'm told
All history does unfold.
It's made of wood and wire
And my body is on fire
And God is never far away.
Into the mercy seat I climb
My head is shaved, my head is wired
And like a moth that tries
To enter the bright eye
I go shuffling out of life
Just to hide in death awhile
And anyway I never lied.
And the mercy seat is waiting
And I think my head is burning
And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this weighing of the truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die
And the mercy seat is burning
And I think my head is glowing
And in a way I'm hopin'
to be done with all this twistin' of the truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And any way there was no proof
And I'm not afraid to die
And the mercy seat is glowing
And I think my head is smoking
And in a way I'm hopin'
to be done with all these looks of disbelief.
A life for a life
And a truth for a truth
And I've got nothin' left to loose.
And I'm not afraid to die
And the mercy seat is smoking
And I think my head is melting
And in a way that's helpin'
to be done with all this twistin' of the truth
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And any way I told the truth
There once was a man who just couldn't cry
He hadn't cried for years and for years
Napalmed babies and the movie love story
For instance could not produce tears
As a child he had cried as all children will
Then at some point his tear ducts ran dry
He grew to be a man, the feces hit the fan
Things got bad, but he couldn't cry
His dog was run over, his wife up and left him
And after that he got sacked from his job
Lost his arm in the war, was laughed at by a whore
Ah, but sill not a sniffle or sob
His novel was refused, his movie was panned
And his big Broadway show was a flop
He got sent off to jail; you guessed it, no bail
Oh, but still not a dribble or drop
In jail he was beaten, bullied and buggered
And made to make license plates
Water and bread was all he was fed
But not once did a tear stain his face
Doctors were called in, scientists, too
Theologians were last and practically least
They all agreed sure enough; this was sure no cream puff
But in fact an insensitive beast
He was removed from jail and placed in a place
For the insensitive and the insane
He played lots of chess and made lots of friends
And he wept every time it would rain
Once it rained forty days and it rained forty nights
And he cried and he cried and he cried and he cried
On the forty-first day, he passed away
He just dehydrated and died
Well, he went up to heaven, located his dog
Not only that, but he rejoined his arm
Down below, all the critics, they loot it all back
Cancer robbed the whore of her charm
His ex-wife died of stretch marks, his ex-employer went broke
The theologians were finally found out
Right down to the ground, that old jail house burned down
(Run softly Blue River my darlin's asleep run softly Blue River run cool and deep)
Run softly Blue River my darlin's asleep run softly Blue River run cool and deep
Oh I thrill to her kisses and she thrills to mine
Run softly while she sleeps and dreams for a time
Cause she dreams of tomorrow when she'll be my wife
And I pray that as peaceful as you is our life
And if your murmuring soothes me till I'm sleeping too
Run softly Blue River we'll both dream with you
(Run softly Blue River my darlin's asleep run softly Blue River run cool and deep)
Oh I thrill to her kisses...
(Run softly Blue River my darlin's asleep run softly Blue River run cool and deep)
I'm a charger
That charges through the night
Like an orange bolt of lightning
Passing everything in sight
I'm the best pal the Duke boys' ever had
I'm thunder on the highway looking bad, bad, bad
I'm a knight
Like the kind in shining armor
With my polished body gleaming
I'm a fighter and a charmer
If trouble comes your way just ask for me
My friends all know me as the General Lee
I'm the General Lee
A piston pumpin' steel belted cavalry
I'll never let you down when you're riding with me
Buckle up and I'll show you what I mean
Take a look back there
Sirens blowing red lights flashing everywhere
We'll cross the field and we'll be runnin' free
They'll eat dust with compliments of me
The General Lee
I'm a hero
And that's how I'll make you feel
When you're riding shotgun with me
And the law is at your heels
I'm glory bound and when the chase is done
I'll take off through the mountains and have fun, fun, fun
I've got style
Tearing through the curves
With my flag waving proudly to the people that I serve
I'm number 1 and I'll always be
The pride of the South they call the General Lee
I'm the General Lee
A piston pumpin' steel belted cavalry
I'll never let you down when you're riding with me
Buckle up and I'll show you what I mean
Take a look back there
Sirens blowing red lights flashing everywhere
I'll jump that pond and we'll be running free
And they'll go swimming compliments of me
The General Lee
The General Lee
General Lee
(muscle engine roaring)
(Praises sing to Christ the King and peace to men on earth)
On Christmas Eve I dreamed I traveled all around the earth
And in my dream I saw and heard the ways the different people hail the king
Whose star shone in the east and what a dream it was
In London Town I walked around Piccadilly Circus
A mass of people movin' here and there I wandered where
On every face at every place was hurry up I'm late
But a kind old man at a chestnut stand said merry Christmas mate
And I felt the Christmas spirit
[ choir ]
In a little town nestled down in Bavaria Germany
I walked along to see what the feeling there would be
And here again was the busy din the rushin' the yellin'
But some kind boy said Frohliche Weihnachten
Not undesratnding the words but gettin' the buyin' and sellin'
I felt the Christmas spirit
[ piano - choir ]
In Bethlehem I heard a hymn some distant choir sang
And with other tourists I walked along to a church as its bells rang
Then I heard someone tell someone there's where Christ was born
I wonder if he looked like our baby looked on that first morn
And then I really felt the Christmas spirit
From a businessman in the Holy Land as a sidewalk souvenirshop
I bought a little Bible since I'd hardly stopped
And it was in Paris France somehow by chance that I took the Bible out
And as I flipped the pages I saw these words and I knew what it was all about
For I read fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy
Which shall be to all people
For unto you he was born this day in the City of David a Saviour
Which is Christ the Lord
[ choir ]
Then I took the little Holy Book held it close and tight
I closed my eyes and visualized the glory of that night
So suddenly it came to me for when I awoke on Christmas Day
I felt the Christmas spirit down deep inside to stay
(O little town of Bethlehem how still we see Thee lie
Above Thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in Thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light
The beast in me,
Is caged by frail and fragile bars.
Restless by day And by night,
Rants and rages at the stars.
God help the beast in me
The beast in me,
Has had to learn to live with pain.
And how to shelter from the rain,
And in the twinkling of an eye
Might have to be restrained.
God help the beast in me.
Sometimes it tries to kid me
That it's just a teddy bear
And somehow can manage,
just to vanish in the air,
And that is when I must beware
Of the beast in me.
Everybody knows,
He's been seen out in my clothes,
Patently unclear,
If it's New York or New Year,
God help the beast in me
Chorus:
I wish I had of known you when you were a little younger 'round me you might have learned a thing or two
If I'd had known you longer you might be a little stronger
Maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do, maybe you'd shoot straighter than you do.
As he walked into the poolroom you could tell he didn't fit
In his hand made boots, custom suit, pearl handled shootin' stick
Tonight there'd be a showdown then everyone would know
Who shoots the meanest game around, The Baron or Billy Joe
Billy Joe looked edgy, about to lose his cool
But the Baron's hands were steady as the two began to duel
Yeah, he was like a General on a battlefield of slate
And he would say to Billy Joe each time he sunk the eight, he'd say...
Chorus
Now Billy Joe was busted but he hadn't felt the sting
And from the far end of the table he threw his Mother's wedding ring
And he said 'You won my money but it ain't gonna do the trick
I'll bet this ring on one more game against your fancy stick'
The Baron's eyes grew foggy as the ring rolled on the felt
And he almost doubled over like he was hit below the belt
Twenty years ago it was the ring his wife had worn
And he didn't know before he left that a son would soon be born
It sounded just like thunder when the Baron shot the break
But it grew quickly quiet as he lined up the eight
Then a warm hand touched his shoulder and it chilled him to the bone
When he turned and saw the woman who had loved him for so long.
The game was never finished, the eight ball never fell
The Baron calmly picked it up and put it on the shelf
Then he placed the ring in the hand that held him long ago
And he tossed that fancy shootin' stick to his son Billy Joe
And he said....
Once my mother told me when I was knee-high
Son, you'll need clothes this winter and not a rag have I
There's not a thing in this house to make a boy's breeches
I don't even have scissors for the cloth or thread for the stitches
There's nothing in this house but a half a loaf of rye
And that old family harp of our's that no one will buy
And she started to cry
I guess it's lucky for me that your daddy's in the ground
And can't see the way I let his baby go around
Well that was in the late fall and when winter-time came
I didn't have a pair of breeches or a shirt to my name
But my mother said Son come climb on my lap
And I'll warm those skinny little legs while you take a nap
And we'd rock back and forth to a Mother Goose rhyme
And boy we were happy for about an hour's time
I've heard it said that that year the winter was very bad
I know we sat on the floor because we burned what chairs we had
Except for one chair that Mother couldn't break
And that old family harp of our's that no one would take
We couldn't give it away for pity's sake
Well one night I was sick with a cold and my mother sang me to sleep
And we she laid me on the floor I thought I heard her weep
But then I saw her sitting in that one good chair
And the light shinning on her from, I couldn't tell where
But she looked eighteen years old and not a day older
And there was that old harp leaning on her shoulder
Well she began to play that harp and her hands moved rapidly
Then threads ran thru the harp strings from somewhere I couldn't see
Then all colored threads began to glide right thru my mother's hands
I saw the thread turn into cloth and I watched the cloth expand
And she wove a boy's jacket and when it was done
She laid it on the floor and wove another one
She wove a long red coat and what a sight to see
That coat's for a king I said it couldn't be for me
She wove a pair of breeches and quicker than that
She wove a pair of boots and a little woolen hat
She wove a pair of mittens she wove a little blouse
She wove all night long in that cold baren house
And she sang while she worked and the harp strings spoke
But her voice never faltered and the thread never broke
But when I awoke...there sat my mother with that harp against her shoulder
Lookin' eighteen years old and not a day older
A smile on her lips and a light around her head
But her hands were on the harp stings...frozen dead
But on the floor beside her, piled six feet high
In a southern town where I was born
That's where I got my education
I worked in the fields and I walked in the woods
And I wondered at creation.
I recall the sun in a sky of blue
And the smell of green things growin'
And the seasons chang'd and I lived each day
Just the way the wind was blowin'.
Then I heard of a cultured city life
Breath takin' lofty steeples
And the day I called myself a man
I left my land and my people.
And I rambled north and I rambled east
And I tested and I tasted
And a girl or two, took me round and round
But they always left me wasted.
In a world that's all concrete and steel
With nothin' green ever growin'
Where the buildings hide the risin' sun
And they blocked the free winds from blowin.
Where you sleep all day and you wake all night
To a world of drink and laughter
I met that girl that I was sure would be
The one that I was after.
In a soft blue gown and formal tux
Beneath that lofty steeple
He said, "Do you Barbara, take this man,
Will you be one of his people?"
And she said, "I will." and she said, "I do."
And the world looked mighty pretty
And we lived in a fancy downtown flat
'Cause she loved the noisy city.
But the days grew cold beneath a yellow sky
And I longed for green things growin'
And the thoughts of home and the people there
But she'd not agreed to goin'.
Then her hazel eyes turned away from me
With a look that wasn't pretty
And she turned into concrete and steel
And she said, "I'll take the city."
Now the cars go by on the interstate
And my pack is on my shoulder
But I'm goin' home, where I belong
Well now I heard that you been thinking bout me really I don't mind
I know you try to block my progress a lot of the time
Well the mean things you said don't make me feel bad
Cause I can't miss a friend that I never had
(I've got) I've got Jesus and that's enough (that's enough) that's enough
When I'm sick (he's there) and troubled (he's there)
When I call him he will answer my prayers (answer my prayers)
When I'm burdened (he's there) with a load (he's there)
That's when Jesus is a comforter (to my soul)
Well you may scorn me turn your back on me
God's got his arms wrapped all around me
(I've got) I've got Jesus and that's enough (that's enough) that's enough
You know there's been a lotta times that I didn't have a dime
And I didn't cry to nobody but my Lord
He heard my plea and came to see about me cause he's one thing I can afford
So if you push me down he'll pick me up
And he'll stick by me when the goin' gets tough
(I've got) I've got Jesus and that's enough (that's enough) that's enough
Well he's the great emancipator and my heart regulator (Jesus is) yes he is
He'll make my way brighter and my burdens lighter yes he will (Jesus will)
Well you may scorn me turn your back on me
God's got his arms wrapped all around me
And he fights down the devil till he makes him give up
And that's enough (that's enough) that's enough
Back about eighteen and twenty-five
I left Tennessee very much alive
I never would've made it through the Arkansas mud
If I hadn't been riding on the Tennessee Stud
Had some trouble with my sweetheart's Pa
One of her brothers was a bad outlaw
I wrote a letter to my Uncle Spud And
I rode away on the Tennessee Stud
On a Tennessee Stud
The Tennessee Stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
There never was a horse like Tennessee Stud
Drifted on down into no man's land
Across the river called the Rio Grande Raced my horse with the Spaniard's foe
Til I got me a skin full of silver and gold
Me and the gambler, we couldn't agree
We got in a fight over Tennessee Pulled our guns and he fell with a thud
And I rode away on a Tennessee Stud
The Tennessee Stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
There was never a horse like the Tennessee Stud
I rode right back across Arkansas
I whipped her brother and
I whipped her Pa
I found that girl with the golden hair
She was riding on a Tennessee Mare
Pretty little baby on the cabin floor
Little horse colt playing round the door
I loved the girl with the golden hair
And the Tennessee Stud loves the Tennessee Mare
The Tennessee Stud was long and lean
The color of the sun and his eyes were green
He had the nerve and he had the blood
In a little cabaret in a South Texas border town,
Sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around.
And all the girls from there to Austin,
Were slippin' away from home and puttin' jewelery in hock.
To take the trip, to go and listen,
To the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
And he would play:
Well, he couldn't ride or wrangle, and he never cared to make a dime.
But give him his guitar, and he'd be happy all the time.
And all the girls from nine to ninety,
Were snapping fingers, tapping toes, and begging him: "Don't stop."
And hypnotized and fascinated,
By the little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
And he would play:
Then one day he was gone, and no one ever saw him 'round,
He'd vanished like the breeze, they forgot him in the little town.
But all the girls still dreamed about him.
And hung around the cabaret until the doors were locked.
And then one day on the Hit Parade,
Was a little dark-haired boy who played the Tennessee flat top box.
On October 23rd, 1978
I lost a loved one and I confess, I cried
In the joyous celebration of the lady and her music
There were tears in the Holston River
When Maybelle Carter died
Then walking down that river road
I saw crystal tear-shaped droplets
Silver beads of love sparklin' on the river side
And I'll just bet they turn to diamonds
For the love that was behind 'em
There were tears in the Holston River
When Mother Maybelle died
Then on January eighth, nineteen seventy-nine
We lost Sara Carter
And the pain was multiplied
Down below that old Clinch Mountain
We laid her at Mount Vernon
There were tears in the Holston River
When Sara Carter died
Then walking down that river road
I saw crystal tear-shaped droplets
Silver beads of love sparklin' in the riverside
And I'll just bet they turn to diamonds
For the love that was behind 'em
There were tears in the Holston River
When Maybelle and Sara died
There were tears in the Holston River
I'm gonna write a tear stained letter,
I'm gonna mail it straight to you.
I'm gonna bring back to your mind,
What you said about always bein' true.
Bout our secret hidin' places;
Bein' daily satisfied.
I can see you sittin' and readin' it,
While you hang you head and cry.
I just hope you're not so sad,
You're gonna go down suicide.
I'm gonna write a tear stained letter:
Put it special delivery.
'Cause it's gonna be full of stuff,
That's only known to you and me.
'Bout how every time I get turned on,
You turn me off and bring me down.
It'll be about the darkest news,
That ever did arrive in your hometown.
It'll be about the saddest thing,
Your mailman ever did bring around.
I'm gonna write a tear stained letter,
I'm gonna tell you one more time.
That you still could reconsider,
And come back to bein' mine.
An' if you think about what I'm sayin',
It'd be hard to refuse.
Just be sure you think a long time,
On the answer that you choose.
It will be a most important piece,
Of personal, private news.
I'm gonna write a tear stained letter:
Mark it "Personal Private News."
An' I hope you'll keep it to yourself,
An' don't go 'round cryin' the blues.
Givin' off a bad impression,
As to what went really wrong.
When what it was was that suddenly,
The music was all gone.
And this man and this woman got cut off,
In the middle of our song.
I'm gonna write a tear stained letter:
I'm gonna put it to a tune.
So I'll be sendin' with it,
A sweet melody for you.
And not some red-hot, upbeat zinger,
That'll set your body on fire.
But a hunk of love included,
Meant to take you a little higher.
And to settle on your sweet, sweet mind,
At night when you retire.
Give me a t for texas, give me a t for tennessee
Give me a t for texas, give me a t for tennessee
Give me a t for thelma, woman made a fool out of me
If you don't want me baby, mama you sure don't got to stall
If you don't want me baby, mama you sure don't got to stall
I've had more pretty women than a passenger train could haul
I'm gonna buy myself a shotgun, one with a long shiny barrel
I'm gonna buy myself a shotgun, one with a long shiny barrel
I'm gonna shoot me a rounder oh that stole away my gal
I'd rather drink your muddy water, sleep down in a hollow log
I'd rather drink your muddy water, sleep down in a hollow log
Than to be in atlanta, georgia, treat me like a dirty dog
(I don't have to go for that)
If you don't want me baby, mama you sure don't got to stall
If you don't want me baby, mama you sure don't got to stall
'cause I've had more pretty women than a passenger train could haul
And that ain't all
I'd rather drink your muddy water, sleep down in a hollow log
I'd rather drink your muddy water, sleep down in a hollow log
Than to be in atlanta, georgia, treated like a dirty dog
Oh give me a t for texas, give me a t for tennessee
Give me a t for thelma, woman made a fool out of me
Give me a t for texas, give me that t for tennessee
Give me a t for thelma, woman made a fool out of me
One more time
Give me a t for thelma, oh that woman made a fool...
I said said oh, that woman made a fool
Well, I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head that didn't hurt.
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad,
So I had one more for dessert.
Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt.
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.
I'd smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and songs I'd been picking.
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playing with a can that he was kicking.
Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone frying chicken.
And Lord, it took me back to something that I'd lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I'm wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
'Cause there's something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothing short a' dying
That's half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
And Sunday morning coming down.
In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughing little girl that he was swinging.
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing.
Then I headed down the street,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringing,
And it echoed through the canyon
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I'm wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
'Cause there's something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothing short a' dying
That's half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
In New York city just walking the street
Ran out of money had nothing to eat
I stopped at the Plaza, that fancy hotel
Where you can check in if you’re well to do well…
The first of July and a hundred and four
I stopped at the Plaza’s front revolving door
I stepped in the door and went around for a ride
Treatin’ myself to the cool air inside
Then I found myself in a chandeliered room
Where people were dining and I hid in the gloom
My hunger pains hurt ‘til I thought I would break
When a waiter brought out a big strawberry cake
Oh that strawberry cake
Oh that strawberry cake
Out in California them berries were grown
And into this city them berries were flown
For making that strawberry cake
Then I thought of Oxnard, just north of LA
Where I picked strawberries for many a day
Hard work with no future for the harvest was done
And I headed eastward a-travelin’ by thumb
And nobody wanted me here in this town
I felt like a stray dog they all kick around
Them berries reminded me of my bad breaks
I’m hungry and I want that strawberry cake
I deserve that strawberry cake
Deserve that strawberry cake
I ran and I grabbed it then out the side door
Into Central Park through the bushes I tore
Holdin’ my strawberry cake
I look back behind me and what do I see
The chef and headwaiter and the maître d
I had a nice helpin’ of cake as I ran
I gobble them berries as fast as I can
They’re closin’ the gap as I slowed down to eat
But the cake brought a new surge of power to my feet
I hid in the bush when the lead I did take
And I quietly finished my strawberry cake
I ate all that strawberry cake
That fine fancy strawberry cake
Someone at the plaza is without dessert
But for the first time in days now my belly don’t hurt
Well, I left my motel room, down at the Starkville Motel,
The town had gone to sleep and I was feelin' fairly well.
I strolled along the sidewalk 'neath the sweet magnolia trees;
I was whistlin', pickin' flowers, swayin' in the southern breeze.
I found myself surrounded; one policeman said: "That's him.
Come along, wild flower child. Don't you know that it's two a.m."
They're bound to get you.
'Cause they got a curfew.
And you go to the Starkville City jail.
Well, they threw me in the car and started driving into town;
I said: "What the hell did I do?" He said: "Shut up and sit down."
Well, they emptied out my pockets, took my pills and guitar picks.
I said: "Wait, my name is..." "Awe shut up." Well, I sure was in a fix.
The sergeant put me in a cell, then he went home for the night;
I said: "Come back here, you so and so; I ain't bein' treated right."
Well, they're bound to get you, cause they got a curfew,
And you go to the Starkville City Jail.
I started pacin' back and forth, and now and then I'd yell,
And kick my forty dollar shoes against the steel floor of my cell.
I'd walk awhile and kick awhile, and all night nobody came.
Then I sadly remembered that they didn't even take my name.
At 8 a.m. they let me out. I said: "Gimme them things of mine!"
They gave me a sneer and a guitar pick, and a yellow dandelion.
They're bound to get you, 'cause they got a curfew,
There's a southern accent, where I come from The young'uns call it country The Yankees call it dumb I got my own way of talkin' But everything is done, with a southern accent Where I come from
Now that drunk tank in Atlanta's Just a motel room to me Think I might go work Orlando If them orange groves don't freeze I got my own way of workin' But everything is run, with a southern accent Where I come from
I got my own way of working When everything is wrong With a southern accent Where I come from
For just a minute there I was dreaming For just a minute it was all so real For just a minute she was standing there, with me
There's a dream I keep having Where my mama comes to me And she kneels down over by the window And says a prayer for me I got my own way of prayin' But everyone's begun With a southern accent Where I come from
From the four winds we have come Katie Elder
Four brothers on the run Katie Elder
All your little ones have grown and we've reaped what we have sown
Yes we've reaped what we have sown Katie Elder
Oh the wind blows like the devil when it blows
And the boy grows up and like the wind he goes
So mothers teach your sons to not live by a gun
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
I think you'd understand Katie Elder
That a man is just a man Katie Elder
They're bound to cut him down if he doesn't stand his ground
But they haven't cut us down yet Katie Elder
Oh the wind blows like the devil when it blows
And the boy grows up and like the wind he goes
So mothers teach your sons to not live by a gun
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
We'll try to make it right Katie Elder
No more hidin' in the night Katie Elder
I vow it on your grave by all the things we never gave
And mistakes that we all made Katie Elder
Oh the wind blows like the devil when it blows
And the boy grows up and like the wind he goes
So mothers teach your sons to not live by a gun
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
And to not live like the sons of Katie Elder
Belinda was mine
Till the time that I found her
Holdin' Jim
And lovin' him
Then Sue came along
Loved me strong
That's what I thought
Me and Sue
But that died, too
Don't know that I will
But until I can find me
A girl who'll stay and won't play
Games behind me
I'll be what I am
A solitary man, solitary man
I've had it to here being where
Love's a small word
A part time thing
A paper ring
I know it's been done
Havin' one girl who love me
Right or wrong
Weak or strong
Don't know that I will
But until I can find me
The girl who'll stay and won't play
Games behind me
I'll be what I am
A solitary man, a solitary man
Don't know that I will
But until love can find me
And the girl who'll stay and won't play
Games behind me
I'll be what I am
A solitary man, a solitary man
Have a little drink
No, thank you, brother
Want to get rich?
Don't need it brother
Wanna fool around?
No, thank you sister
Ain't you heard that
That old evil man within me died?
Let's have a party
I ain't going
What you gonna do?
Gonna keep praying
And keep working out my salvation
Trying to get sanctified
No more condemnation, repented
Jesus brought salvation, He saved me
Justification brought me safely to His side
And as I get to know Him more
He gives me a taste of the coming glory
And I'm trying to whip the devil
I'm trying to get sanctified
Sanctified, sanctified
I'm working to whip the devil
I’m trying to get sanctified
Don't go to church
Yes, I'm going
Why you read that old Bible?
'Cause I like it
Well, I don't believe in God
Well, God bless you
You ain't got no argument
For what I feel inside
Aww, have a little fun
That's what I'm having
Life's passing you by
I can hardly wait
Well, I've got my mind set upon eternity
Trying to get sanctified
And there's no more condemnation, I repented
Jesus brought salvation, He saved me
Justification brought me safely to His side
And as I get to know Him more
He gives me a taste of the coming glory
And I'm trying to whip the devil
Trying to get sanctified
Sanctified, sanctified
Sanctified, sanctified
Yes, I'm trying to whip the devil
I'm trying to get sanctified
Sanctified, sanctified
Sanctified, sanctified
I'm working out my salvation
Trying to get sanctified
We're the best partners this world's ever seenTogether as close as can beBut sometimes it's hard to find time in betweenTo tell you what you mean to me
You are the rose of my heartYou are the love of my lifeA flower not fading, nor falling apartIf you're tired, rest your head on my armRose of my heart
When sorrow holds you in it's arms of clayIt's rain drops that fall from your eyesYour smile is a sun come to earth for a dayYou brighten my blackest of skies
You are the rose of my heartYou are the love of my lifeA flower not fading, nor falling apartIf you're cold, let my love make you warmRose of my heart
So hard times or easy times, what do I careThere's nothing I'd change if I couldThe tears and the laughter are things that we shareYour hand in mine makes it good
You are the rose of my heartYou are the love of my lifeA flower not fading, nor falling apartIf you're cold, let my love make you warmRose of my heart
Ride this train to any country fair in this land now here's a hard working happy people
Mrs Jones baked the finest pie for the contest this year
And Mr Brown's got the biggest fattest old sow you ever saw
And all the kids are eatin' popcorn and cotton candy
This is Chester South Carolina and that year at the fair
My papa brought us all down in a wagon
And on the way down we picked up another family that lived up the creek
I was just a little boy but I remember I kept askin' papa
How much farther is it how much farther is it
We had a young haffa tied to the wagon that papa just knew
Was gonna take first prize
I didn't have no doubt about that haffa winning first prize
But the main thing I was interested in
Was somethin' else papa had under his seat at the front of the wagon
And that was an old dobro that I thought papa played like nobody else in the world
I guess by real musical standards papa didn't know much about music
But I tell you that night at the fair when he played in the dance band
Ride this train to Pionridge Mississippi see that levee there
It's built to hold back the waters of Ol' Man River when he gets on a rampage
And he gets on a rampage believe me
One of these days he's gonna come right over that levee
And we're gonna have to head for the hills again
And you know how that levee was built Mister
Not with machines it is built with elbow grease
They got the men off the farms out of the houses
Even out of the honky tonks on Saturday night
I don't hardly know how it happened to me it happens fast
I just remember I was in the Green Lantern in Natchez one Saturday night
And somebody pulled a knife and somebody threw the bottle
And the next thing I knew I had a chain on my leg and a shovel in my hand
It seemed like the whole world come down on me
They whipped us like miles and when they did feed us
There was always a fight or a killin' over who's gonna get the biggest piece of meet
Whereas the boss man did't care about the killin'
That is less you killed a good worker then you get killed
If you complain about anything he just liable to give you a chance to get away
You know what I mean
Ride this train to any little trail in the West you may find me riding alone late at night
My poor old horse don't understand why I ride at night and sleep in the daytime
Or why we ride in the bushes and hide every time I hear a noise
Well that's all I've done for months now running and hiding
You see my name is John Wesley Hardin no I'm not proud of the name anymore
They say I've killed forty men they tell a lot of different stories about me
Of course I guess I'm to blame for a lot of it
I killed the first time when I was fifteen to save my life but then I had to do it again
Then every bum in the country that was fast with the gun started lookin' for me
They called me the fastest gun alive and I guess I was fast or I wouldn't be alive now
I got to where I couldn't walk down a street or in a saloon
Without some trigger-happy cowpoke
Wantin' to prove he could outdraw old John Wesley Hardin
Maybe I got a little bitter and didn't care whether I killed or not for a while
And I never quite forgot when the authorities in Huntsville prison
Dragged me up in the snow naked and horsewhipped me
Well that's why I'm ridin' at night I want to go where no one has ever seen me
Where I won't even have to wear a gun
Maybe I'll settle down in a quiet little town somewhere
Even get a job on the right side of the law who knows
(Spoken)
I got cotton in the bottom land
It's up and growin' and I got a good stand
My good wife and them kids of mine
Gonna get new shoes, come Pickin' Time
Get new shoes come Pickin' Time.
Ev'ry night when I go to bed
I thank the Lord that my kids are fed
They live on beans eight days and nine
But I get 'em fat come Pickin' Time
Get 'em fat come come Pickin' Time.
The corn is yellow and the beans are high
The sun is hot in the summer sky
The work is hard til layin' by
Layin' by til Pickin' Time
Layin' by til Pickin' Time.
It's hard to see by the coal-oil light
And I turn it off purty early at night
'Cause a jug of coal-oil costs a dime
But I stay up late come Pickin' Time
Stay up late come Pickin' Time.
My old wagon barely gets me to town
I patched the wheels and I watered 'em down
Keep her in shape so she'll be fine
To haul my cotton come Pickin' Time
Haul my cotton come Pickin' Time.
Last Sunday mornin' when they passed the hat
It was still nearly empty back where I sat
But the preacher smiled and said that's fine
The Lord'll wait til Pickin' Time
Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who cares
Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who's there
Feeling unknown
and you're all alone,
flesh and bone,
by the telephone,
lift up the receiver,
i'll make you a believer
Take second best,
put me to the test,
things on your chest,
you need to confess,
i will deliver,
you know i'm a forgiver
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone who cares
Your own, personal, Jesus
someone to hear your prayers,
someone to care
Feeling unknown
and you're all alone,
flesh and bone,
by the telephone,
lift up the receiver,
i'll make you a believer
i will deliver,
you know i'm a forgiver
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
Reach out and touch faith
By the way the land is layin'
I think I'd be safe in sayin'
That over the next hill we'll be home
It's a straight and narrow highway
No detours and no byways
And over the next hill we'll be home
From the prophets I've been hearin'
I would say the end is nearin'
For I see familiar landmarks all along
By the dreams that I've been dreamin'
There will come a great redeemin'
And over the next hill we'll be home
By the turn the tide is takin'
I would say there's no mistakin'
That over the next hill we'll be home
There's a place that we are nearin'
That so many have been fearin'
And over the next hill we'll be home
When we get there we're all hopin'
That we'll find the gate is open
And there'll be a refuge from the comin' storm
For the way's been long and weary
But at last the end is nearin'
Well, have you seen my darkhaired girl?
She was set on her love to a hungry world
They got her clothes anA the money she took
And they wrote her name in the prison books
Orleans Parish Prison won't you free my darkhaired girl?
She´s tired and cold and you got the gold
She took from a hungry world
Orleans Parish Prison won't you free my darkhaired girl?
Well have seen my green eyed son?
He shot a man down with a sawed off gun
And they fond him down by the Pontchartrain
Where they cuffed his arms with a big iron chain
Orleans Parish Prison won't you free me green eyed son?
I heard him say as you let him away
Sorry for what he's done
Orleans Parish Prison won't you free me green eyed son?
Well have you missed my brother man?
He took a little money with a gun in his hand
Know the kids are hungry and the wife ain't well
And the daddy's locked up in a prison cell
Orleans Parish Prison won't you free my brother man?
I know it´s sad but he ain't bad
He´s doing the best he can
I dedicate this song to the workin' man
For ever' man that puts in a hard
Eight or ten hours a day of work and toil and sweat
Always got somebody lookin' down his neck
Tryin' to get more out of 'im
Than he really ought to have to put in.
After twenty-nine long years of workin'
In this shop with Oney standin' over me ...
Today when that old whistle blows
I'll check in all my gear and I'll retire ...
The superintendent just dropped by and said
They'd planned my little get together ...
Then he said I'd never a made it
If old Oney hadn't held me to the fire.
I've seen him in my dreams at night
And woke up in the mornin' feelin' tired ...
And old Oney don't remember, when I came here
How he tried to get me fired ...
With his folded hands behind him
Every mornin' Oney waited at the gate ...
Where he'd rant and rave like I committed murder
Clockin' in five minutes late.
But today they'll gather 'round me
Like I've seen 'em do when any man retires
Then old Oney's gonna tell me
From now on I'm free to do what I desire ...
He'll present me with that little old gold watch
They give a man at times like this ...
But there's one thing he's not countin' on
Today's the day I give old Oney his.
I've been workin', buildin' muscles
Oney's just been standin' 'round a gettin' soft
And today about four-thirty
I'll make up for every good night's sleep I've lost ...
When I'm gone I'll be remembered
As the workin' man who put his point across
With a right hand full of knuckles
'Cause today I show old Oney who's the boss.
Hmmmm! What time is it? Four thirty!
Hey, Oney!
I'm just an old chunk of coal
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna grow and glow 'til I'm so blue, pure perfect
I'm gonna put a smile on everybody's face
But I'm gonna kneel and pray everyday
Lest I should become vain along the way
I'm just an old chunk of coal, now Lord
But I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I'm gonna learn the right way to talk
I'm gonna search and find a better way to walk
I'm gonna spit and polish my old rough-edged self
Until I get rid of every single flaw
I'm gonna be the world's best friend
I'm gonna go around shakin' everybody's hand
I'm gonna be the cotton-pickin' rage of the age
Yes, I'm gonna be a diamond some day
I said, "I'm just an old chunk of coal, my Lord
Oh what a dream, oh what a dream
I dreamed I walked in a field of flowers
Oh what a dream
The houses all were silver towers
Oh what a dream
Beside the road an angel sat
I said, "Hello", and tipped my hat
And stopped when I saw her smile
And sat me down a while
I sat me down a while
Oh what a dream, oh what a dream
I tried the angel for a kiss
Oh what a dream
But she turned away and my lips missed
Oh what a dream
She said, "Sir, I'll have you know
I met you just a while ago
You're welcome for to sit
But calm yourself a bit sir
calm yourself a bit."
Oh what a dream, oh what a dream
I fell in love like one two three
Oh what a dream
I asked the angel to marry me
Oh what a dream
She said, "Sir I can't marry you
But I'm a dream that can come true
There are dreams of much my worth
That live upon the earth sir
That live upon the earth
Oh what a dream, oh what a dream
Then I awoke and found my love
Oh what a dream
As heavenly as one above
Oh what a dream
We'll marry on a sea of flowers
Home will be a silver tower
There'll be heaven in my life
With an angel for a wife
With an angel for a wife
Everybody's going out and having fun
I'm just a fool for staying home and having none
I can't get over how she set set me free oh lonesome me
A bad mistake I'm making by just hanging round
I know that I should have some fun and paint the town
I thought of everything from A to Z oh lonesome me
I'll bet she's not like me she's out and fancy free
Flirtin' with the boys with all her charms
But I still love her so and brother don't you know
I'd welcome her right back here in my arms
Well there must be some way I can lose these lonesome blues
Forget about the past and find somebody new
I thought of everything from A to Z oh lonesome me oh lonesome me
[ guitar + piano ]
Well I'll bet she's not like me she's out and fancy free
Flirtin' with the boys with all her charms
But I still love her so and brother don't you know
I'd welcome her right back here in my arms
Well there must be some way I can lose these lonesome blues
Forget about the past and find somebody new
Oh, little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless
Sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in they dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all
The years are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep
The angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
Oh, morning stars together
Proclaim the Holy birth
And praises sing
To God the King
And peace to men on Earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven
No ear may hear his coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls
Will receive him still
The dear Christ enters in
Oh, holy child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
When life seems full
Of clouds and rain
And I'm full
Of nothin' but pain
Who soothes my thumpin', bumpin' brain?
Nobody
When Wintertime comes
With its snow and sleet
And me with hunger
And cold feet
Who says "Here's two bits, go and eat"?
Nobody
Well, I ain't never done nothin' to nobody
I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time
And until I get something from somebody, sometime
I don't intend to do nothin' for nobody, no time
When Summertime comes
All warm and clear
And my friends see me
Drawin' near
Who says "come on in and have a beer"?
Nobody
Well one time when things was
Lookin' bright
I started to whittlin' on a stick one night
Who said "Hey! That's dynamite!"?
Nobody
Mmmm, I ain't never done nothin' to nobody
I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time
And until I get something from somebody, sometime
I don't intend to do nothin' for nobody, no time
I ain't never done nothin' to nobody
I ain't never got nothin' from nobody, no time
And until I get something from somebody, sometime
I'm a poor boy from the farm land
Your father is a wealthy sailing man
If I asked you for your hand
Would you tell me no? Oh no, no, no
You're a poor boy from the farm land
My daddy is a wealthy sailing man
He told me if you asked my hand
I'd better tell you no, oh no, no, no
Your daddy brings you silk to sew
from the finest shops in Tokyo
He told you to turn me down I know
But don't say no, oh no, no, no
Yes, daddy owns a clipper ship
And he brings me pearls on every trip
And pink champagne for me to sip
And you're the poorest boy I know, oh, so no, no, no
I can't give you anything
I can't afford a wedding ring
A presents that I'd like to bring
But oh, I love you so, oh, don't say no
My daddy's three days out to sea
And he would turn me across his knee
If he knew you were kissin' me
Come and take me to the airport come and bore me on that plane
Cause I've got no expectations to ever pass this way again
Well once I was a rich man but now I am so poor
Never in my weary life have I felt like this before
Your love is like a diamond and you cast your pearls to swine
And as I see you leavin' me it drags my peace of mind
Come and take me to the airport come and bore me on that plane
Cause I've got no expectations to ever pass this way again
[ ac.guitar - harmonica ]
Your love is like the water it's sparking on the stone
Your love is like the music first it's here and then it's gone
Come and take me to the airport come and bore me on that plane
Cause I've got no expectations to ever pass this way again
Come and take me to the airport come and bore me on that plane
Come hear me good brothers come here one and all
Don't brag about standing or you'll surely fall
You're shinin' your light yes and shine if you should
You're so heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
No earthly good you are no earthly good
You're so heavenly minded you're no earthly good
You're shinin' your light yes and shine if you should
You're so heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
Come here me good sisters you're salt of the earth
If your salt isn't salted then what is it worth
You could give someone a cool drink if you would
You're so heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
No earthly good you are no earthly good
You're so heavenly minded you're no earthly good
You could give someone a cool drink if you would
You're so heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
If you're holdin' heaven then spread it around
There are hungry hands reaching up here from the ground
Move over and share the high ground where you stood
So heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
No earthly good you are no earthly good
You're so heavenly minded you're no earthly good
Move over and share the high ground where you stood
So heavenly minded and you're no earthly good
Well this nine pound hammer is a little too heavy for my size honey for my size
I'm goin' on the mountain gonna see my baby
And I ain't comin' back Lord I ain't comin' back
Oh roll on buddy don't you roll so slow how can I go when my wheels won't roll
Roll on buddy pull a load o'coal how can I go when my wheels won't roll
[ banjo ]
Well it's a long way to Harlan, it's a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little brew just to get a little brew
Now when I'm long gone you can make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal out of number nine coal
Coleman Bonner was a fiddle playin' fool
He's a backwoods rounder and a breaker of mules
Coleman Bonner's got a wore out bow
He's been playin' all day down the new cut road
Coleman's little sister said you better act right Coleman
Daddy's gone to Louisville he'll be back tonight
He's gonna get another wagon and a good pair of mules
And we gonna move to Texas we just waitin' on you
Coleman's daddy pulled up in the yard
He said pack up your lives kids it's gettin' too hard
Kentucky's alright but there's too many people
Just the other day I thought I saw a church steeple
Coleman said daddy don't you worry bout me
I'm gonna stay here in Kentucky till the day I d
I'm gonna drink that sourmash and gonna race that mare
And find that woman with the fox red hair
Now you all been movin' west since the day you got married
Well I'm gettin' off the wagon daddy I'm too old to be carried
Gonna stay here in Kentucky where the bluegrass grow
I'm gonna play it all night down the new cut road
Coleman's daddy said now what's it all comn' to
Young people these days are just as stubborn as mules
You can't make him go he's too old for that
It's that damned old fiddle and that bowler hat
Coleman's mama said let the boy stay
He's raised up solid and he can find his own way
But as for me honey I'm with you
I always thought Kentucky was just passin' through
Coleman's little sister then she started into a cryin'
And his daddy shook his head for the very last time
Coleman's mama said somebody's gotta do it
Wouldn't be no Kentucky less you didn't stick to it Coleman
Coleman Booner stood on the porch of that cabin
Watched 'em all go to Texas in a covered wagon
He pulled out his fiddle and he rosined up his bow
Mr. Garfield been shot down
Shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield been shot down low
Me and my brother
Was down close to the depot
When I heard the report of a pistol
My brother run out and come back in all excited
And I said, "What was it?" and he said
"It was the report of a pistol" and then he said
"Mr. Garfield been shot down
Shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield been shot down low"
Lord, I knew the President
Was supposed to be at the depot that day
And we just wouldn't believe that he's shot
But we'd run over there
And there was so many folks around
That we couldn't see him
But some lady was standin' there cryin'
And I said, "Ma'am what was it that happened Ma'am?"
And she said
"Mr. Garfield been shot down
Shot down, shot down
Mr. Garfield been shot down low"
Well, everybody drifted off
Toward home finally
And they looked like they felt
About as bad as I did
But in a few weeks I heard
That the President was still alive
And I told my brother I said
"Let's get on that train
And go to where he's laid up hurt"
Well, when we got to his big house
Up there I asked the fellow
I said, "Who was it that did it?
Who was it that shoot the President?"
And he said, "It was Charlie Guiteau
That shoot Mr. Garfield" and I said
"Charlie Guiteau done shot down
A good man, good man
Charlie Guiteau done shot down a good man low"
I heard some fellow there
That had been in the house to see the President
And I sidled up him to listen to what
He was tellin' and he said
"Mrs. Lucretia Garfield was always at his side
In the heat of the day fannin' him when he was hot"
He said that, just that day
The President said to Mrs. Lucretia
He said, "Crete honey
(He called her Crete)
Said, "If somethin' worse happens to me
After awhile you get yourself a good man"
And Mrs. Lucretia said, "James"
(She called him James)
She said, "I won't hear to that now"
She said, "I love you too much" but he said
"You'll make some good man a good wife, good wife
You'll make some man a good, good, good wife"
(Don't pull in single harness all your life good gal
Don't pull in single harness all your life)
That's what he said, "Don't pull in single harness all your life"
Well, a few days later I come back
To where the President was restin'
And it seems everybody was cryin'
The flag was hangin' halfway up
To the flagpole in front of the house
And everybody looked so sad
And I asked a soldier boy there
And I said, "Is, is, is Mr. Garfield?"
And he said, "Yeah, he's gone
Gonna lay him in that
Cold lonesome ground down low
Gonna lay him in that
Cold lonesome ground"
Well, they laid the President
By that long cold branch
Mr. Garfield's been laid down low
Mr. Garfield has been shot down
Mr. Garfield's been shot
Mr. Garfield been shot down
Shot down, shot down
Take one fresh and tender kiss
Add one stolen night of bliss
One girl, one boy, some grief, some joy
Memories are made of this.
Don't forget a small moonbeam
Fold it lightly with a dream
Your lips and mine to sip the wine
Memories are made of this
Then at the wedding bells
One house where lovers dwell
Three little kids for the flavor
Stir carefully through the day
See how the flavor stays
These are the dreams that we must savor
With His blessings from above
Serve it generously with love
One man, one wife, one love for life
We saw houses falling from the sky Where the mountains lean down to the sand We saw blackbirds circling 'round an old castle keep And I stood on the cliff and held your hand
We walked troubles brooding wind swept hills And we loved and we laughed the pain away At the end of the journey, when our last song is sung Will you meet me in Heaven someday
Can't be sure of how's it's going to be When we walk into the light across the bar But I'll know you and you'll know me Out there beyond the stars
We've seen the secret things revealed by God And we heard what the angels had to say Should you go first, or if you follow me Will you meet me in Heaven someday
Living in a mansion on the streets of gold At the corner of Grace and Rapture Way In sweet ecstasy while the ages roll Will you meet me in Heaven someday
I give my woman half my money at the general store I said, "Now buy a little groceries, and don't spend no more." But she gave ten dollars for a ten cent hat And bought some store bought cat food for a mean eyed cat.
When I give her ten more dollars for a one way ticket She was mad as she could be Then I bet ten more that if she ever left She'd come a-crawlin' back to me When I woke up this mornin' and I turned my head There wasn't a cotton pickin' thing on her side of the bed I found a little old note where her head belonged It said, "Dear John, honey, baby, I'm long gone."
When I heard a whistle blowin', and the big wheels a-turnin' I was scared as I could be I put on my overalls and I headed to town Gonna bring her back with me.
I asked the man down at the station if he'd seen her there I told him all about her pretty eyes and long, blonde hair He spit his tobacco, said, "I'll be dad blamed...... I believe I did see her leavin' on the east bound train."
I bought a round trip ticket on the east bound train I was broke as I could be But when I come back, gotta buy another ticket Gotta bring her back with me.
Well, I got off the train somewhere in Arkansas And I worked up the guts to call my Mother-In-Law She said, "I'll tell you where she is, if you act right." "She's workin' four to twelve at Trucker's World tonight."
Well, you wonder why I always dress in blackWhy you never see bright colors on my backAnd why does my appearance seem to have a somber toneWell, there's a reason for the things that I have on
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten downLivin' in the hopeless, hungry side of townI wear it for the prisoner who is long paid for his crimeBut is there because he's a victim of the times
I wear the black for those who've never readOr listened to the words that Jesus saidAbout the road to happiness through love and charityWhy, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me
Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do supposeIn our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothesBut just so we're reminded of the ones who are held backUp front there ought to be a Man In Black
I wear it for the sick and lonely oldFor the reckless ones whose bad trip left them coldI wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have beenEach week we lose a hundred fine young men
And I wear it for the thousands who have diedBelievin' that the Lord was on their sideI wear it for another hundred thousand who have diedBelievin' that we all were on their side
Well, there's things that never will be right I knowAnd things need changin' everywhere you goBut 'til we start to make a move to make a few things rightYou'll never see me wear a suit of white
I lived on a farm out in Iowa
I pulled the corn and I worked in the hay
Got trapped by a girl but I wiggled free
Heard the Oregon timber callin' me
Will you tell me somethin', Mr lumberjack?
Is it one for forward and three for back?
Is it two for stop or four for go?
Boy, ask a whistle punk I don't know
Well, I learned this fact from a logger named Ray
You don't cut timber on a windy day
Stay out of the woods when the moisture's low
Or you ain't gonna live to collect your dough
Will you tell me somethin', Mr lumberjack?
Is it one for forward and three for back?
Is it two for stop or four for go?
Boy, ask a whistle punk I don't know
Well you work in the woods from morning to night
You laugh and sing and you cuss and fight
On Saturday night you go to Eugene
And on a Sunday morning your pockets are clean
Will you tell me somethin', Mr lumberjack?
Is it one for forward and three for back?
Is it two for stop or four for go?
I have been a rover
I have walked alone
Hiked a hundred highways
Never found a home
Still in all I'm happy
The reason is, you see
Once in a while along the way
Love's been good to me
There was a girl in Denver
Before the summer storm
Oh, her eyes were tender
Oh, her arms were warm
And she could smile away the thunder
Kiss away the rain
Even though she's gone away
You won't hear me complain
I have been a rover
I have walked alone
Hiked a hundred highways
Never found a home
Still in all I'm happy
The reason is, you see
Once in a while along the way
Love's been good to me
There was a girl in Portland
Before the winter chill
We used to go a-courtin'
Along October hill
And she could laugh away the dark clouds
Cry away the snow
It seems like only yesterday
As down the road I go
I've been a rover
I have walked alone
Hiked a hundred highways
Never found a home
Still in all I'm happy
The reason is, you see
Once in a while along the way
It should be a while before I see Dr. Death
So it would sure be nice if I could get my breath
Well I'm not the crying nor the whining kind
'Till I hear the whistle of the 309
Of the 309, of the 309
Put me in my box on the 309
Take me to the depot, put me to bed
Blow an electric fan on my gnarly old head
Everybody take a look, see I'm doing fine
Then load my box on the 309
On the 309, on the 309
Put me in my box on the 309
Hey sweet baby, kiss me hard
Draw my bath water, sweep my yard
Give a drink of my wine to my Jersey cow
I wouldn't give a hootin' hell for my journey now
On the 309, on the 309
I hear the sound of a railroad train
The whistle blows and I'm gone again
It will take me higher than a Georgia pine
Stand back children, it's a 309
It's a 309, it's a 309
Put me in my box on the 309
A chicken in the pot and turkey in the corn
Ain't felt this good since jubilee morn
Talk about luck, well I got mine
As me comin' down like a 309
Write me a letter, sing me a song
Tell me all about it, what I did wrong
Meanwhile I will be doing fine
Then load my box on the 309
On the 309, on the 309
With the twilight colors falling
And the evening laying shadows
Hidden memories come stealing from my mind
As I feel my own heart beating out
The simple joy of living
I wonder how I ever was that kind
But the wild road I was rambling
Was always out there calling
And they said a hundred times I should have died
But now my present miracle
Is that you're here beside me So,
I believe they were roads that I was meant to ride
Like a soldier getting over the war
Like a young man getting over his crazy days
Like a bandit getting over his lawless ways
Every day is better than before
I'm like a soldier getting over the war
There were nights I don't remember
And there's pain that I've forgotten
Other things I choose not to recall
There are faces that come to me
In my darkest secret memory
Faces that I wish would not come back at all
In my dreams parade of lovers
From the other times and places
There's not one that matters now, no matter who
I'm just thankful for the journey
And that I've survived the battles
I don't want no aggravation
When my train has left the station
If you're there or not,
I may not even know
Have a round and remember
Things we did that weren't so tender
Let the train blow the whistle when I go
On my guitar sell tickets
So someone can finally pick it
And tell the girls down at the Ritz
I said hello
Tell the gossipers and liars
I will see them in the fire
Let the train blow the whistle when I go
Let her blow, let her blow
Long and loud and hard and happy
Let her blow No regrets, all my debts will be paid
When I get laid Let her blow, let her blow, let her blow
You'll be left without excuses
For the evils and abuses
Down to today from years and years ago
And have yourself another toke
From my basket full of smoke
And let the train blow the whistle when I go
Let her blow, let her blow
Long and loud and hard and happy
Let her blow No regrets, all my debts will be paid
Well you come home ah' feeling
For the knob on the door
You better pick up your feet
You're gonna' fall on the floor
I keep on ah' telling you
I'll tell you some more
You better leave that
Junk alone
And drink water
Lord that liquor's hot
Drink water
You don't wanna' be a sot
You better lay down the bottle
And put on the top
And drink cool H20
Well your eyes are baggy
And ah' bloodshot red
It's been a week or two
Since you've been in bed
You better pay attention
Now to what I said
You better leave that
Junk alone
And drink water
Lord that liquor's hot
Drink water
You don't wanna' be a sot
You better lay down the bottle
And put on the top
And drink cool H20
Well now I'll forgive you
For your running 'round
If you just promise that
You've come unwound
I'll buy you anything
You want in town
If you'll leave that
Junk alone
And drink water
Lord that liquor's hot
Drink water
You don't wanna' be a sot
You better lay down the bottle
And put on the top
And drink cool
Last night I had the strangest dream I've ever known before,
I dreamed that all the world agreed to put an end to war.
I dreamed I saw a mighty room the room was filled with men,
and the papers they were signing said they'd never fight again.
And when the paper was all signed and a million copies made,
they all joined hands and bowed their heads and grateful prayers were prayed.
The people in the streets below were dancing round and round,
while swords and guns and uniforms were scattered to the ground.
Last night I had the strangest dream I've ever dreamed before,
If you gonna be king of the hill
You can't make it at the cotton mill
If you gonna be king of the hill
You can't make it at the cotton mill
Get put on at the Harlan mine
Be the last one out at quittin' time
You already workin' when the whistle blew
Never complain about a job to do
When they say who can, you say I will
If you ever gonna be king of the hill
If you gonna be king of the hill
You can't make it at the cotton mill
You need a good woman to share your bed
To keep you loved and to keep you fed
To help you to face another day
To get you up and on your way
Where the golden rule don't rule out true
You do to them before they do to you
Watch out for yourself or nobody will
If you ever gonna be king of the hill
If you gonna be king of the hill
You can't make it at the cotton mill
Saturday night you go to Harlan town
You shoot some pool and you fool around
You watch the girls and you drink bootleg
Get starved to death before you beg
You trust in luck till your luck is gone
Then jump right in and you hang right on
There may be times you would have to kill
If you ever gonna be king of the hill
If you gonna be king of the hill
You can't make it at the cotton mill
When the last of the coals out of every vein
Had long been gone on the northbound train
Walk up to the top and if you're standing still
You can call yourself king of the hill
But if you fall like a lot have done
By accident or knife or gun
When they lay you high on the mountain still
You can call yourself king of the hill
If you gonna be king of the hill
Well I saw you with another
It made me lose my mind
Shot you with my .38 and
now I'm doin' time
And you put me here, you put me here
Well there's no way to doubt it
There ain't no two ways about it
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
I've been tryin' to tell 'em
That I didn't do no wrong
Only gave you what you been
deservin' all along
And you put me here, you put me here
There ain't no use in denyin'
You done it with your lyin'
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
[BREAK]
Well the jury found me guilty
They wouldn't hear my plea
I listened as that judge said
murder in the first degree
And you put me here, you put me here
Well there ain't no need to doubt it
There ain't no two ways about it
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Now the warden and the preacher
They're lettin' me go slow
It won't be long until I'm gone
Just thirteen steps to go
And you put me here, you put me here
There's just one way to figure
Your cheatin' pulled the trigger
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
Well there ain't no need to doubt it
There ain't no two ways about it
As sure as your name's Kate
You put me here
(Just about time I'm feelin' blue tryin' to get over you)
Maybe it's just about time I told you I'm all through with you
But just about the time I start to tell you I start feeling blue
And just about then I lose my nerve and wait another day or two
'Cause just about the time I think it's over I start missing you
(Hardest thing I'll ever do tryin' to get over you)
It's just about time I had my sayin' I told you a thing or two
It's just about time I paid you back you treat me like you do
But just about the time I get the nerve I can't seem to carry through
'Cause just about then an empty feelin' reminds me I miss you
(Like to find somebody new I could just get you)
(Just don't know what I go through tryin' to get over you)
It's just about time I let you know I've had my fill of you
But just about the time I think about goin' I start missin' you
I'd like to go find another love that'll never be untrue
But just about the time I think about leavin' I start missin' you
Cane standin' in the fields gettin' old and red
Lot of misery in Georgetown dreamin' layin' dead
Joshua head of the government he said strike for better pay
Cane cutters are strikin' but Joshua gone away
Joshua gone Barbados staying in a big hotel
People on St Vincent got many sad tales to tell
The sugar mill owner told the strikers I don't need you to cut my cane
Bring me another bunch of fellas your strike be all in vain
Get a bunch of tough fellas bring 'em from Zion Hill
Bring 'em in a bus to Georgetown know somebody could kill
Sunny Child the overseer I swear he's an ignorant man
Walkin' the the canefields pistol in his hand
Joshua gone Barbados just like he don't know people on the island got no place to go
Police givin' protection new fellas cuttin' the cane
Strikers can't do nothin' strike be all in vain
Sunny Child cussed the strikers wave his pistol round
They're beatin' Sunny with the cutlers beat him to the ground
There's a lot of misery in Georgetown you can hear all the women bawl
Joshua gone Barbados he don't care at all
Cane standin' in the fields gettin' old and red
Sunny Child in the hospital pistol on his bed
I wish I could go to England Trinidad or Curacao
People on the island got no place to go
Joshua gone Barbados stayin' in a big hotel
Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month
Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none
He came home too drunk from mixin' Tanqueray and wine
He got a gun shot a night clerk now they call him Johnny 99
Dawn in that part of town where when you hit red light you don't stop
Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatin' to blow his top
When an off duty cop snuck up on him on from behind
Out in front of the club Tip Top they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
Well the city suplied a public defender but the judge was mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year will make it even Johnny 99
A fist fight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's girl away
His mama stood up and shouted judge don't take my boy this way
Well son you got any statement you'd like to make
Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away
Yes judge I got debts no honest man could pay
The bank was holdin' my mortgage they was takin' my house away
Now I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man
But it was more than all this that put that gun in my hand
And your honor I do believe I'd be better off dead
If you can take a man's life for the thoughts that are in his head
Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over one more time
If you should meet some lonely soul who on this earth can't reach his gold
And he's travelin' down the road so dark and dim
Lend the hand say a prayer give a smile that he might share
But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him
(But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him)
Be friend each stranger in the night help to make his burdens light
Lift up the fallin' ones and be a friend
Shed a tear share a sight Share his fears don't pass him by
But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him
(It could be you instead of him)
Shed a tear share a sight...
If you should meet some lonely soul who on this earth can't reach his goal
And he's travelin' down a road so dark and dim
Lend a hand say a prayer give a smile that he might share
But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him.
(But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him.)
Befriend each stranger in the night help to make his burden light
Lift up the fallen ones and be a friend
Shed a tear share a sigh share his fears don't pass him by
But for the grace of God it could be you instead of him
(It could be you instead of him)
In your mind, in your mind
One foot on Jacob's ladder
And one foot in the fire
And it all goes down in your mind
Living at the bottom of the stairs in your life
Never a smile knocking on your door
The air is blue and so are you
Prehistoric monsters on the floor
Last verse of your last song
And God don't hear dead men
The end of the line is in your mind
And you'll be staying in
In your mind, in your mind
Bone for bone and skin for skin
Eye for eye and tooth for tooth
Heart for heart and soul for soul
Somebody said what is true
Lock it up and close it down
The sound of morning like a dove
High beyond the rattle and roar
Look into the face of love
In your mind, in your mind
One foot on Jacob's ladder
And one foot in the fire
And it all goes down in your mind
In your mind, in your mind
Sunday words are back again
And you'll eat your fun of the middleman's pie
But just a piece you understand
You'll get the rest up in the sky
Praise and glory, wounded angel
Shuffling round the room
Eternity is down the hall
And you sit there bending spoons
In your mind, in your mind
Father, son and holy ghost
Sacrificial drops the pain
On a silver planet cross
Sanctification on a chain
They say redemption draws knives
Storms of silence from above
Stop your ears close your eyes
Try to find the face of love
In your mind, in your mind
One foot on Jacob's ladder
And one foot in the fire
When I was a little bitty baby my mama would rock me in my cradle
In them old cottonfields back home
When I was a little bitty baby...
Now when them cotton bolls get rotten you can't pick very much cotton
In them old cottonfields back home
It was down in Louisiana just about a mile from Texarkana
In them old cottonfields back home
[ guitar ]
When I was a little bitty baby...
When I was a little bitty baby...
If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
Would you marry me anyway?
Would you have my baby?
If you were a carpenter
And I were a lady
I'd you marry you anyway
I'd you have your baby
If a tinker was my trade
Would I still find you?
I'd be carryin' the pots you made
Followin' behind you
Save your love through loneliness
Save your love through sorrow
I gave you my onlyness
Gimme your tomorrow
If I were a miller
And a mill wheel grindin'
Would you miss your colored blouse
And your soft shoe shinin'?
If you were a miller
At a mill wheel grindin'
I'd not miss my colored blouse
And my soft shoe shinin'?
Save your love through loneliness
Save your love through sorrow
I gave you my onlyness
Gimme your tomorrow
If I worked my hands in wood
Would you still love me?
I'd answer you, "Yes I would"
And would you not be above me?
If I were a carpenter
And you were a lady
I'd you marry you anyway
I'd have your baby
Save your love through loneliness
Save your love through sorrow
I gave you my onlyness
You'd have thought a king had died
The way those people cried
Instead of one more broken entertainer
It struck those in his trade
He could have had it made
If he'd only been a little saner
They traveled far to see him
Oh, the humble and the high
They said goodbye as if he were a friend
Now somewhere he is smiling
On those who idolized him
But would they even recognize him
If he came back again?
He was born of modest means
But had outrageous dreams
They never let him rest
Till he fulfilled them
While he rode that train of song
His devils tagged along
The whiskey and the pills
Just couldn't kill him
He didn't mean to be a rebel
Ah, the real ones never do
They're born apart from ordinary men
Now somewhere he is smiling
On those who sanctified him
But would they even recognize him
If he came back again?
It's an old familiar story
But it's a damn shame none-the-less
They don't forgive his kind
Till they lay them down to rest
Now somewhere he is smiling
On those who idolized him
But would they even recognize him
If he came back again?
That big eight-wheeler rollin' down the track
Means your true-lovin' daddy ain't comin' back
'Cause I'm movin' on, I'll soon be gone
You were flyin' too high, for my little old sky
So I'm movin' on
That big loud whistle as it blew and blew
Said hello to the southland, we're comin' to you
When we're movin' on, oh hear my song
You had the laugh on me, so I've set you free
And I'm movin' on
Mister fireman won't you please listen to me
'Cause I got a pretty mama in Tennessee
Keep movin' me on, keep rollin' on
So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll
And keep movin' me on
Mister Engineer, take that throttle in hand
This rattler's the fastest in the southern land
To keep movin' me on, keep rollin' on
You gonna ease my mind, put me there on time
And keep rollin' on
I've told you baby, from time to time
But you just wouldn't listen or pay me no mind
Now I'm movin' on, I'm rollin' on
You've broken your vow, and it's all over now
So I'm movin' on
You've switched your engine now I ain't got time
For a triflin' woman on my main line
Cause I'm movin on, you done your daddy wrong
I warned you twice, now you can settle the price
'Cause I'm movin on
But someday baby when you've had your play
You're gonna want your daddy but your daddy will say
Keep movin' on, you stayed away too long
I'm through with you, too bad you're blue
Hold on honey I'd like to say
I'm busting out and breaking away
I'm letting you go like a hot horse shoe
I can't take another heart ache from you
Think about how it's gonna be
When you start back to needing me
When your dancing shoes have lost their shine
I'm gonna be gone in mine
I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
Get out of my face
Get out of my place
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm leaving now
And the time it comes when you trim the fat
Feed the kitchen scraps to the front seat cat
Bye bye baby when the bills come due
You might have to give up a jewel or two
Eat your heart out anyway
It's hard as your head and it's cold as clay
It's all over now you won't have me
Your sugar daddy or your money tree
I'm leaving now yeah
I'm leaving now
Get out of my space
Get out of my face
I'm leaving now, hey hey
I'm leaving now
Pull up the collar on my traveling coat
Sell that miserable pleasure boat
I wouldn't give another nickel for another buck
I'm living on muscle, guts, and luck
If anybody asks where did I go
Tell 'em I went where the wild goose goes
I wouldn't have me an area code
Don't have a number, don't need a row
I'm leaving now, me to
I'm leaving now
Get out of my face
Get out of my space
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
I'm leaving now
Get out of my space
Get out of my face
I'm leaving now, adios
I'm gonna try to be that way
Once upon a time there lived a man
Many years ago in a foreign land
Knew how to live right, tried to be a light
Gave everybody a helping hand
I'm gonna try to be that way
I'm gonna try to be that way
Do the kind of things a man oughta do
Say the kind of things a man oughta say
I'm gonna try to be that way
He never done anybody wrong
He tried to help everybody 'long
He brought a better land to make a better man
Out of the rich or the poor
Or the weak or the strong
And he preached love and brotherhood
He went around doin' good, doin' good
Everywhere he went
They knew that he was sent
(Dolly Parton)
I'm a drifter, a driftin' drifter
Got no place to call my home no more
I'm a wanderer, a wandering wanderer
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' down inside
Still I need to stay alive
And who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, a driftin' drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
Got no strings to tie me down
Got no cause to hang around
What difference does it make which way I go
Got an empty feelin' deep inside
Still I need to stay alive
Who can tell what waits beyond this road
I'm a drifter, a driftin' drifter
Got no one to call my own no more
(Homer Morris)
Well lordy I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's growin' in the meadow (down by the water)
I shall not be moved
I'm on my way to glory land and I shall not be moved
On my way to glory land I will not be moved
I'm like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
Well I'm on my way to glory land and I shall not be moved
On my way to glory land I shall not be moved
I'm like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
Oh well
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
On this rock of ages, I shall not be moved
On this rock of ages, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved
Glory, glory, glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved
Glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
I never picked cotton But my mother did And my brother did And my sister did And my daddy died young Workin' in the coal mine
When I was just a baby Too little for a cotton sack I played in the dirt While the others worked 'Til they couldn't straighten up their backs I made myself a promise When I was big enough to run That I'd never stay a single day In that Oklahoma sun
Folks said I grew up early And that the farm couldn't hold me then so I stole ten bucks and a pickup truck And I never went back again Then it was fast cars and whiskey Long haired girls and fun I had everything that money could bring And I took it all with a gun
Early one morning
With time to kill
I borrowed Jebb's rifle
And sat on the hill
I saw a lone rider
Crossing the plain
I drew a bead on him
To practice my aim
My brother's rifle
Went off in my hand
A shot rang out
Across the land
The horse, he kept running
The rider was dead
I hung my head
I hung my head
I set off running
To wake from the dream
My brother's rifle
Went into the sheen
I kept on running
Into the south lands
That's where they found me
My head in my hands
The sheriff he asked me
Why had I run
And then it came to me
Just what I had done
And all for no reason
Just one piece of lead
I hung my head
I hung my head
Here in the court house
The whole town was there
I see the judge
High up in his chair
Explain to the court room
What went through your mind
And we'll ask the jury
What verdict they find
I felt the power
Of death over life
I orphaned his children
I widowed his wife
I begged their forgiveness
I wish I was dead
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head
Early one morning
With time to kill
I see the gallows
Up on the hill
And out in the distance
A trick of the brain
I see a lone rider
Crossing the plain
And he'd come to fetch me
To see what they'd done
And we'll ride together
To kingdom come
I pray for God's mercy
For soon I'll be dead
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hung my head
I hardly ever sing beer drinking songs
And when they play them cheatin' tunes, I never sing along
I never ever sing the blues I've forgotten, born to lose
And I hardly ever sing beer drinking songs
I hardly ever walk the floor and cry
And I don't think I've ever said I feel like I could die
I don't ever lay awake, I never think my heart will break
I hardly ever walk the floor and cry
I hardly ever sing beer drinking songs
I can't put much feeling in saying love is all gone wrong
I don't lose no sleep at night 'cause things with you are going right
And I hardly ever sing beer drinking songs
I never call your name out in my sleep
You never make me worry and you never make me weep
I never wonder if you're true, I spend a night curled up with you
And I never call your name out in my sleep
Well I feel better all over more than anywhere else baby when I'm out with you
Well I feel better all over more than anywhere else when you kiss me like you do
Well am as wild as a buck everytime you cause me up
You sure make me feel like a wheel
Well I feel better all over more than anywhere else that's exactly how I feel
[ steel - fiddle ]
Oh I feel better all over more than anywhere else
When you whisper sweet nothings in my ear
Oh I feel better all over more than anywhere else honey anytime that you're near
Well my heart beats double time when you hold your hand in mine
You sure is a wonderful deal
Well I feel better all over more than anywhere else that's exactly how I feel
It don't hurt anymore, all my tear drops have dried,
no more walking the floor with that burning inside,
just to think it could be time has opened the door
and at last I am free I don't hurt anymore.
No use to deny, I wanted to die,
the day you said we were through
but now that I find, you're out of my mind,
I can't believe that it's true.
I've forgotten somehow,
that I cared so before,
but it's wonderful now,
I don't hurt anymore.
No use to deny, I wanted to die,
the day you said we were through
but now that I find, you're out of my mind,
I can't believe that it's true.
I've forgotten somehow,
that I cared so before,
but it's wonderful now,
Oh death where is thy sting
Oh grave where is thy victory
Oh life you are a shining path
and hope springs eternal just over the rise
when I see my redeemer beckoning me.
Oh row my ship over the waves of your sea
let me find a safe port now and then
don't let the dark one in your sanctuary
until it's time to pack it in.
Oh row row my ship with the fire of your breath and don't lay a broadside on your ship as yet
blow ye warm winds when its chilly and wet
and don't come to soon for collecting my debt.
Oh death where is thy sting
Oh grave where is thy victory
Oh life you are a shining path
and hope springs eternal just over the rise
when I see my redeemer beckoning me.
Oh let me sail on with my ships to the east
and keep my eye on the North Star
when the journey is no good for man or for beast
I'll be safe where ever you are.
Just let me sail in to your harbour of lights
and there and forever to cast out my lines
give me my task and let me do it right
and do it with all of my might.
Oh death where is thy sting
Oh grave where is thy victory
Oh life you are a shining path
and hope springs eternal just over the rise
Today I passed you on the street and my heart fell at your feet
I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
Somebody else stood by your side and he looked so satisfied
I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
A picture from the past came slowly stealing
As I brushed your arm and walked so close to you
Then suddenly I got that old time feeling
I can't help it if I'm still in love with you
[ guitar ]
It's hard to know another's lips will kiss you
And hold you just the way I used to do
Oh heaven only knows how much I miss you
My name is Joe Roberts I work for the State
I'm a sergeant out on Perenville barracks No 8
I've always done an honest job honest as I could
Got a brother named Frankie Frankie ain't no good
Ever since we were young kids it's been the same come down
I'd get a call on the short wave Frankie's in trouble downtown
But if it was any other man I'd put him straight away
But sometimes when it's your brother you look the other way
Yeah me and Frankie laughin' and drinkin' nothin' feels better than blood on blood
Takin' turns dancin' with Maria
While the band played The Night Of The Johnstown Flood
I catch him when he's strayin' like any brother should
Man turns his back on his family he ain't no good
Well Frankie went into the army back in 1965
I got a farm deferment settled down took Maria for my wife
But them wheat prices kept on droppin' till it was like we's gettin' robbed
Frankie came home in '68 and me I took this job
Yeah me and Frankie laughin' and drinkin' nothin' feels better than blood on blood
Takin' turns dancin' with Maria
While the band played The Night Of The Johnstown Flood
I catch him when he's strayin' teach him how to walk that line
Man turns his back on his family ain't no friend of mine
The night was like any other I got a call bout the quarter of nine
There was trouble at a roadhouse out on the Michigan line
There was a kid on the floor lookin' bad bleedin' hard from his head
There was a girl cryin' at a table it was Frankie she said
I ran out and I jumped in my car then I hit the lights
I must have done about a hundred and ten to Michigan County that night
It was down by the crossroads out bout willow bank
Seen the buick with Ohio plates behind the wheel was Frank
Well I chased him through them county roads
Till the sign said Canadian border five miles from here
Pulled over the side of the highway ´nd watched his taillights disappeared
Yeah me and Frankie laughin' and drinkin' nothin' feels better than blood on blood
Takin' turns dancin' with Maria
While the band played The Night Of The Johnstown Flood
I catch him when he's strayin' like any brother should
Well you ask me if I'll forget my baby.
I guess I will, someday.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
You ask me if I'll get along.
I guess I will, someway.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
God gave me that girl to lean on,
then he put me on my own.
Heaven help me be a man
and have the strength to stand alone.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
You ask me if I'll miss her kisses.
I guess I will, everyday.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
You ask me if I'll find another.
I don't know. I can't say.
I don't like it but I guess things happen that way.
God gave me that girl to lean on,
then he put me on my own.
Heaven help me be a man
and have the strength to stand alone.
Hey porter! Hey porter!
Would you tell me the time?
How much longer will it be till we cross
that Mason Dixon Line?
At daylight would ya tell that engineer
to slow it down?
Or better still, just stop the train,
Cause I wanna look around.
Hey porter! Hey porter!
What time did ya say?
How much longer will it be till I can
see the light of day?
When we hit Dixie will you tell that engineer
to ring his bell?
And ask everybody that ain't asleep
to stand right up and yell.
Hey porter! Hey porter!
It's getting light outside.
This old train is puffin' smoke,
and I have to strain my eyes.
But ask that engineer if he will
blow his whistle please.
Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves
and I feel that Southern breeze.
Hey porter! Hey porter!
Please get my bags for me.
I need nobody to tell me now
that we're in Tennessee.
Go tell that engineer to make that
lonesome whistle scream,
We're not so far from home
so take it easy on the steam.
Hey porter! Hey porter!
Please open up the door.
When they stop the train I'm gonna get off first
Cause I can't wait no more.
Tell that engineer I said thanks alot,
and I didn't mind the fare.
I'm gonna set my feet on Southern soil
(Joy to the world the Lord is come)
Here was a man a man who was born in a small village the son of a peasant woman
He grew up in another small village
Until he reached the age of thirty he worked as a carpenter
Then for three years he was a traveling minister
But he never traveled more than two hundred miles from where he was born
And where he did go he usually walked
He never held political office he never wrote a book never bought a home
Never had a family he never went to college and he never set foot inside a big city
Yes here was a man
Though he never did one of the things usually associated with greatness
He had no credentials but himself he had nothing to do with this world
Except through the devine purpose that brought him to this world
While he was still a young man the tide of popular opinion turned against him
Most of his friends ran away one of them denied him
One of them betrayed him and turned him over to his enemies
Then he went through the mockery of a trial
And was nailed to a cross between two thieves
And even while he was dying his executioners gambled
For the only piece of property that he had in this world
And that was his robe his purple robe
When he was dead he was taken down from the cross
And laid in a borrowed grave provided by compassionate friends
More than nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today he's a centerpiece of the human race
Our leader in the column to human destiny
I think I'm well within the mark when I say that all of the armies that ever marched All of the navies that ever sailed the seas
All of the legislative bodies that ever sat and all of the kings that ever reigned
All of them put together have not affected the life of man on this earth
So powerfully as that one solitary life
Well God told Noah to build an ark he said it's gonna rain gonna be dark
Call in the animals two by two and don't let a sinful man go through
So the flood came just like he said and every evil thing on earth was dead
But Noah's faith was like a rock God laid his ark on a mountain top
He'll be a friend and guide you he'll walk along with you
He'll feel it there inside you he'll help you make it through
When things look dark Noah saw the light cause faith had told him right was might
If you need a friend he'll guide you he'll be a friend to you
Well you've heard of Samson the strong man the mightiest man in all the land
There was one purpose for his might he had to deliver the Israelites
By the Philistines he was overcome they tied him up to carry him home
But Samson prayed and his bounds were gone
He killed a thousand with an old jawbone
He'll be a friend and guide you he'll walk along with you
He'll feel it there inside you he'll help you make it through
God showed Samson what to do and it's the same God that stands by you
I know a man whose plow handle hand
Is quicker than a light
Wes Hardin is his name
They say he travels in the night
For he might have to kill
Or walk around a fight
And if you ever saw Wes Hardin draw
You know he can skin his gun
He won't say how many tried and died
Up against the top hand
Up against the wrong man
'Cause Hardin wouldn't run
He rode in like a Texas wind
Took the East bound train
Goin', goin' with Jane Bowen
Till the lawmen caught up
So long Janie chin up
I'll be back again
Off he went to Huntsville prison
"So long Janie", he cried
Fifteen years she waited
Till her heart broke and she died
And she left that bad land
To wait up in the sky
Free at last the payin' past
For all the wrong he did
First free air they let him breathe
Since he was a kid
So let him come and let him go
And let him deal, and bid
Near the border in El Paso
Lawyer reads the sign
You won't find him there for business
Every day at nine
For business is real bad one client's
All he's had in quite a long long time
Then Sheriff Selman's boy
Broke in to Wes's woman's place
Up she jumped and pistol
Whipped him kicked him in the face
And John Selman demands
Revenge for this disgrace
You could see every night
By candlelight in Hardin's favorite bar
She'd be hanging on his arm
And very late they'd leave there
Headed for the goose hair
Glad it wasn't far
Right through the swinging doors
John Selman came with a blazin' gun
Wes Hardin chug a luggin' red eye
Got him in the back of the head
John Wesley Hardin fell dead
In the desert where we searched for gold
The days're hot the nights're cold
Hank and Joe and me walked on
So bold and brave and free
For days and days we fought the heat
I got so thirsty and I got so weak
And when I fell 'cause I couldn't go
I heard Hank say to Joe
He's dyin'
(Dyin' dyin')
For water
Hear him cryin'
(Cryin' cryin')
For water
Well lay him down in the dust and sand he said
Joe you know he's a dyin' man
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
I don't remember how long I lay
But when I awoke it was the break of day
Buzzards circled miles ahead
I knew Hank and Joe were dead
My eyes were dimmed but I could see
A bed of gold nuggets under me
Now I know that it won't be long
Till they decorate my bones
'Cause I'm dyin'
(Dyin' dyin')
For water
Can't help cryin'
(Cryin' cryin')
For water
Well they laid me down in the dust and sand he said
Joe you know he's a dyin' man
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
The old home town looks the same,
As I step down from the train,
And there to meet me is my mama and my papa.
Down the road I look, and there comes Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
The old house is still standing,
Though the paint is cracked and dry,
And there's the old oak tree that I used to play on.
Down the lane I walk with my sweet Mary,
Hair of gold and lips like cherries.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
Yes, they'll all come to see me,
Arms reaching, smiling sweetly.
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home.
Then I awake and look around me,
At the four gray walls that surround me,
And I realize that I was only dreaming.
For there's a guard, and there's a sad old padre,
Arm in arm, we'll walk at daybreak.
Again, I'll touch the green, green grass of home.
Yes, they'll all come to see me
In the shade of the old oak tree,
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I've been down on bended knee
talkin' to the man from Galilee
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
He called my name and my heart stood still
When he said, "John go do My will!"
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's done in the dark will be brought to the light
You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut you down
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut you down
When Robert E Lee surrended the Confederacy Jefferson Davis was upset about it
He said how dare that man resent an order
Form the president of the Confederate States of America
Then somebody told him that General Lee had made the decision himself
In order to save lives because he felt that the battle comin' up
Would cost about 20 000 lives on both sides
And he said 240 000 dead already is enough
So this song is not about the North or the South but about the bloody brother war
Brother against brother father against son the war that nobody won
And for all those lives that were saved I gotta say Dod bless Robert E Lee
Well the mansion where the General used to live is burning down
Cottonfields are blue with Sherman's troups
I overheard a yankee say yesterday Nashville fell
So I'm on my way to join the fight General Lee might need my help
But look away look away Dixie I don't want them to see
What they're doing to my Dixie God bless Robert E Lee
Sherman's troups burned Atlanta and the flames lit up the sky
And those of us who survived it are watchin' my Dixie die
But today at Appamattox General Lee sat down
And surrended to the yankees and Ulysees S Grant
So look away look away Dixie...
I won't ever stop loving you my Dixie till they put me in the ground
The girl from the canyon smiled a smile that brought me home
As sick and bleeding as I was she took me on her own
Brought me to the canyon where the sun poured down like rain
Her smiling eyes and the mountain light I thought myself insane
These hills have seen me runnin' till my horse could hardly stand
Hidin' by day in the mountains movin' with the moon on the land
I'm hoping to find my freedom in a world that wants me dead
The girl from the canyon took and healed my wounds instead
The girl from the canyon she don't need to know what I had done
She laughed with me in the moonlight till the morning brought the sun
The girl from the canyon the girl from the canyon she was the only one
An outlaw is a hunted one with aprice upon his head
We're all outlaws in a way that is what she said
And so I left the canyon when I was strong enough to ride
The girl from the canyon she was riding by my side
The girl from the canyon..
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Yes a jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It'll shake all the trouble from your worried mind
Get rhythm when you get the blues
Little shoeshine boy never gets low down
But he's got the dirtiest job in town
Bendin' low at the peoples' feet
On the windy corner of the dirty street
Well, I asked him while he shined my shoes
How'd he keep from gettin' the blues?
He grinned as he raised his little head
Popped a shoeshine rag and then he said
"Get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
It only costs a dime, just a nickel a shoe
Does a million dollars worth of good for you
Get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Yes a jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It'll shake all the trouble from your worried mind
Get rhythm when you get the blues"
Well, I sat down to listen to the shoeshine boy
And I thought I was gonna jump for joy
Slapped on the shoe polish left and right
He took a shoeshine rag and he held it tight
He stopped once to wipe the sweat away
I said you're a mighty little boy to be workin' that way
He said "I like it" with a big wide grin
He kept on a poppin' and he said again
"Get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Get a rock 'n' roll feelin' in your bones
Get taps on your toes and get gone
(J. Hartford)
It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it's knowin' I'm not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
That keeps you in the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or something that somebody said because
They thought we fit together walkin'
It's just knowing that the world
Will not be cursing or forgiving
When I walk along some railroad track and find
That you're movin' on the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
'cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence
Tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
But not to where I cannot see
You walkin' on the back roads
By the rivers flowin' gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin' cracklin' cauldron
In some train yard
My beard a rustlin' coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands 'round a tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're waitin' from the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
Well if I live to be a hundred
I know I can't forget the day
That I broke the heart you gave me
And let you walk away
That's when they hung my name in The Fool's Hall of Fame
Oh baby since we've been apart I can't console my heart
It cries the whole night long
Can I ever make you see the change you've made in me
Oh baby let me tell you I was wrong
Oh honey say that you'll forgive me
And let me end this misery
Cause I know I'll keep on cryin'
Til' you come back to me
Don't leave me hear in shame in The Fool's Hall of Fame
Oh baby since we've been apart I can't console my heart
It cries and cries the whole night long
Oh can I ever make you see the change in me
Oh baby let me tell you I was wrong I was wrong
Oh honey say that you'll forgive me
And let me end this misery
Cause I know I'm gonna keep on cryin'
Til' you come back to me
Don't leave me hear in shame in The Fool's Hall of Fame
Don't leave me hear in shame in The Fool's Hall of Fame
I hear the train a comin' it's rollin 'round the bend
And I a'int seen the sunshine since I don't know when
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin' on
But that train keeps a movin' on down to-San-An-Tone
When I was just a baby my mame told me, "Son
Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns"
But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die
When I heat the whistle blowin' I hang my head and cry
Well, if they freed me fom this prison
If that railroad train was mine
I bet I'd move it all a little farther down the line
Far from Fulsom Prison, that's where I want to stay
And I'd let that lonsome whistle, blow my blues away
I don't like it
But I guess things happen that way
You ask me if I'll get along I guess I will, some way
I don't like it But I guess things happen that way
God gave me that girl to lean on
Then He put me on my own Heaven help me be a man
Have the strength to stand aloneI don't like it
But I guess things happen that way
You asked me if I'll find another
I don't know
Beside a Singin' Mountain Stream
Where the Willow grew
Where the Silver Leaf of Maple
Sparkled in the Mornin' Dew
I braided Twigs of Willows
Made a String of Buckeye Beads
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
I leaned against a Bark of Birch
And I breathed the Honey Dew
I saw a North-bound Flock of Geese
Against a Sky of Baby Blue
Beside the Lily Pads
I carved a Whistle from a Reed
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
A Cardinal sang just for me
And I thanked him for the Song
Then the Sun went slowly down the West
And I had to move along
These were some of the things
On which my Mind and Spirit feed
But Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
And you're the one I need
So when this Day was ended
I was still not satisfied
For I knew ev'rything I touched
Would wither and would die
And Love is all that will remain
And grow from all these Seed
Mother Nature's quite a Lady
But you're the one I need
Flesh And Blood need Flesh And Blood
How high's the water, Mama?
Two feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Papa?
She said, "Two feet high and risin'"
We can make it to the road in a homemade boat
'Cause that's the only thing we got left that'll float
It's already over, all the wheat and the oats
Two feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Mama?
Three feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Papa?
She said, "It's three feet high and risin'"
Well, the hives are gone, I've lost my bees
The chickens are sleepin' in the willow trees
Cow's in water up past her knees
Three feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Mama?
Four feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Papa?
She said, "It's four feet high and risin'"
Hey, come look through the window pane
The bus is comin', gonna take us to the train
Looks like we'll be blessed with a little more rain
Four feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Mama?
Five feet high and risin'
How high's the water, Papa?
She said, "It's five feet high and risin'"
Well, the rails are washed out north of town
We gotta head for higher ground
We can't come back till the water goes down
Five feet high and risin'
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy,
To be calm when you've found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.
Father
It's not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
You're still young, that's your fault,
There's so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
if you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy.
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It's hard, but it's harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I'd agree, but it's them you know not me.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
Well, the farmer prayed for a better year
And the crops were good like the Lord did hear
But his barn burned down with winter near
The answer came in white and black
In the farmer's almanac, it says
'If a man could have half his wishes he could double his trouble'
A sweet old lady was eighty-four
When her kinfolks came for a month or more
Now from overwork she's on the other shore
Much too late was y'all come back
And it says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'Visitors and fish smell after three days'
Our leader was a silver tongued man
He deceived the people of the land
And when he got caught he couldn't stand
It's a little off-beat and a little off-track
But it says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'In rivers and bad government the lightest things flow to the top'
Rod said, "I don't believe in God"
Rod died and lies beneath the sod
For God did not believe in Rod
Life is a troubled and a weary track
But it says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death'
The little boy followed the honeybee
And it flew straight to the honey tree
He got stung but got the honey free
Consolation for the things you lack
Is in the farmer's almanac, it says
'God gives us the darkness so we can see the stars'
He came home three hours late from work
Said, "I had a flat and fell in the dirt"
She said, "You gotten lipstick on your shirt"
Well it turned out like Jill and Jack
And it says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'Lies have to be covered up, truth can run around naked'
He said, "Honey, you know I'm true
I just look at other women that's all I do"
Then she caught him with her best friend Peggy Sue
Sometimes some women will look back
And it says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'There's a lot of difference in window shoppin' and shop liftin''
I sat down at a shoeshine stand
I had a real slow shoeshine man
I said you don't pop that rag like some of 'em can
He looked at me and then he sat right back
It says in the farmer's almanac, it says
'The trouble with the world today is
Well they took some honey from a tree
They dressed it up and they called it me
Now everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby, now
I went out last night 'bout half past four
Fifty women knocking on my door
And everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby, now
I went out last night, and I didn't stay late
'fore I'm home I had nineteen dates
And everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby, now
Me and my gal sittin' in the shade
talk 'bout the money that she has made
And everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby, now get down
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Everybody's trying to be my baby
Drink to me, drink to me
Drink to me, drink to me
Drink to me
A rose, a carnation, the lily and an orchid make such a pretty bouquet
(Drink to me, drink to me)
But only the orchid was worthy of you, so I threw all the others away
(Drink to me, drink to me)
Then you took the orchid and you breathed on its petals
And after a day or two
The flower still blooms but the scent's not the orchids
It carries the savor of you
Drink to me, drink to me
Drink to me, drink to me
Drink to me
So if you're gonna drink to me, drink with your eyes
And I'll never cry for wine
(Drink to me, drink to me)
Or leave a kiss in an empty coffee cup then pass it from your lips to mine
(Drink to me, drink to me)
'Cause I've got a thirst burning way down in my soul
And honey from a sugar tree
Is not half as sweet as the air that you breathe
Honey come here and drink to me
Drink to me, drink to me
Drink to me, drink to me
There's a place I know where the train goes slow
Where the sinner can be washed in the blood of the lamb
There's a river by the trestle down by sinner's grove
Down where the willow and the dogwood grow
You can hear the whistle, you can hear the bell
From the halls of heaven to the gates of hell
And there's room for the forsaken if you're there on time
You'll be washed of all your sins and all of your crimes
If you're down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there where the train goes slow
There's a golden moon that shines up through the mist
And I know that your name can be on that list
There's no eye for an eye, there's no tooth for a tooth
I saw Judas Iscariot carrying John Wilkes Booth
He was down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
He was down there where the train goes slow
If you've lost all your hope, if you've lost all your faith
I know you can be cared for and I know you can be safe
And all the shamefuls and all of the whores
And even the soldier who pierced the side of the Lord Is down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there where the train goes slow
Well, I've never asked forgiveness and I've never said a prayer
Never given of myself, never truly cared
I've left the ones who loved me and I'm still raising
Cain I've taken the low road and if you've done the same
Meet me down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there where the train goes slow
Meet me down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
Down there by the train
As I walked by the lake one day by chance my Dorraine passed my way
Then she and I walked hand in hand on the banks of Ponchartrain
I pinned a flower on her heart, I swore we'd never be apart
She vowed her love forever and as I kissed her did the same
Dorraine, my Dorraine, my dark haired little angel
My belle of Ponchartrain
We sat down on the dock and with our hearts and fingers locked
We laughed and talked and joked about when our names are the same
And joking I said honey are you marrying me for money
And it took just one quick look to tell it hurt my dear Dorraine
She jumped and stood above me and she cried why you don't love me
I'm rowing home across the lake you won't see me again
I called and called some more but she rowed fast from the shore
And the clouds brought by a wind began to rain on Ponchartrain
Dorraine, I called Dorraine
Come back my little angel my belle of Ponchartrain
The storm should make her learn that she should make a swift return
But as the rain fell harder I lost sight of my Dorraine
As panic gripped my heart I drew the oars and made my start
To look for her on raging waters and the rain on Ponchartrain
At darkness I still called but no one heard my cries at all
And when the daybreak came then others helped me look for my Dorraine
But there was not a thing afloat except the oars from her rowboat
For all was lost upon the choppy waves and rain on Ponchartrain
Now I come day after day to where my sweetheart rowed away
And I gaze across the water of the rainy Ponchartrain
Just one thing and nothing more ever floated back to shore
Was this flower I hold it is the one I pinned on my Dorraine
Dorraine, my Dorraine, my dark haired little angel
A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wonderlust who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined his boots
And combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He laughed and kissed his mom
And said your Billy Joe's a man
I can shoot as quick and straight as anybody can
But I wouldn't shoot without a cause
I'd gun nobody down
But she cried again as he rode away
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He sang a song as on he rode
His guns hung at his hips
He rode into a cattle town
A smile upon his lips
He stopped and walked into a bar
And laid his money down
But his mother's words echoed again
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He drank his first strong liquor then to calm his shaking hand
And tried to tell himself he had become a man
A dusty cowpoke at his side began to laugh him down
And he heard again his mothers words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
Filled with rage then
Billy Joe reached for his gun to draw
But the stranger drew his gun and fired
Before he even saw
As Billy Joe fell to the floor
The crowd all gathered 'round
And wondered at his final words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
We all were called to come back
To the old home on the farm
Mother's passed away, what a mournful day
And as my daddy watched
His eyes were filled with pain and hurt
When someone stepped upon a rose
And crushed it in the dirt
"Don't step on Mother's roses," Daddy cried
"She planted them the day she was my bride
And every time I see a rose, I see her smilin' face
She made my darkest days look bright
'Round the old home place"
"Don't step on Mother's roses, let 'em grow
The way they did since many years ago
They'll bloom for me each year
And I'll have Mother near
Don't step on Mother's roses, let 'em grow"
Years have passed away
And how the old home place has changed
Daddy had to go, we all miss him so
Children pick the roses as they go along the way
But when their petals are abused, I hear my daddy say
"Don't step on Mother's roses," Daddy cried
"She planted them the day she was my bride
And every time I see a rose, I see her smilin' face
She made my darkest days look bright
'Round the old home place"
"Don't step on Mother's roses, let 'em grow
The way they did since many years ago
They'll bloom for me each year
And I'll have Mother near
You take my hand and smile at me
but I can tell you'd rather be
Alone or with somebody else you know
And when your eyes're looking to mine
that old time love light doesn't shine
But let me try again don't make me go
I want you don't make me go my heart would break
I'd miss you so
Treatin' love for sympathy is all to me
What's this lovesick heart to do when it cries for only you
Hold me close I love you so don't make me go
[ guitar ]
I'm sorry that I never knew the way to show my love for you
I took too much for granted all the time
Two hearts in love must give and take
when one heart feels the other breaks
Don't make me go I wanna show this love of mine
From the fountains in the mountains
Comes the water running cool and clear and blue
And it comes down from the hills
And it goes down to the towns and passes through
When it gets down to the cities
Then the water turns into a dirty gray
It's poisoned and polluted
By the people as it goes along its way
Don't go near the water children
See the fish all dead upon the shore
Don't go near the water
'Cause the water isn't water anymore
I took my boy fishin' to my old favorite fishin' hole
I had caught many a fish out of that deep clear water
From the time I was a boy like him
After we'd fished a few minutes
He said, "Did you get a bite yet daddy?"
I said, "I think I got a nibble son"
"Me too", he said
Then he said, "Daddy if we catch a fish can we eat him"
I said, "Well there was a time son
This water's bad now and I might not be safe to eat the fish
But there was a time"
There was a time the air was clean
And you could see forever 'cross the plains
The wind was sweet as honey
And no one had ever heard of acid rain
We're torturin' the earth
And pourin' every kind of evil in the sea
We violated nature
And our children have to pay the penalty
Don't go near the water children
See the fish all dead upon the shore
Don't go near the water
'Cause the water isn't water anymore
Don't go near the water children
See the fish all dead upon the shore
Don't go near the water
About the time that Daddy left to fight the big war
I saw my first pistol in the general store
In the general store, when I was thirteen
Thought it was the finest thing I ever had seen
So l asked if I could have one when I grew up
Mama dropped a dozen eggs, she really blew up
She really blew up and I didn't understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
She really blew up and I didn't understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
The devil's right hand, the devil's right hand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
My very first pistol was a cap and ball Colt
Shoot as fast as lightnin' but it loads a mite slow
Loads a mite slow and i soon found out
It can get you into trouble but it can't get you out
So then I went and bought myself a Colt 45
Called a peacemaker but I never knew why
Never knew why, I didn't understand
Cause Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
Never knew why, I didn't understand
Cause Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
The devil's right hand, the devil's right hand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand
Well I get into a card game in a cumberland town
Caught a miner cheating I shot the dog down
Shot the dog down, watched the dog fall
Never touched his holster, never had a chance to draw
The trial was in the morning and they drug me out of bed
Asked me how I pleaded, not guilty I said
Not guilty I said, you've got the wrong man
Nothing touched the trigger but the devil's right hand
Not guilty I said, you've got the wrong man
Nothing touched the trigger but the devil's right hand
the devil's right hand, the devil's right hand
It's been ten long years since
The devil laid his fiddle at Johnny's feet
And it burned inside his mind
The way he suffered that defeat
In the darkest pits of hell
The devil hatched an evil plan
To tempt the fiddle player for
He's just a mortal man
"The sin of pride," the devil
Cried is what will do you in
"I thought we had this settled,
I'm the best there's ever been"
Johnny did you ever know
That time keeps marching on?
The coldest hour is the one
Comes just before the dawn
The devil's back in Georgia
Will you stand up to the test
Or will you let the
Devil be the best?
In truth, I haven't played much
Since the baby came in June
But give me half a minute an'
I'll get this fiddle back in tune
The devil grabbed the golden
Fiddle out of Johnny's hand and said
"Though I'm the fiddle player
Underground and I walk upon the land"
Y'all just better be just turnin'
Back if you want this boy to win
'Cos practice is the only cure for
The predicament he's in
Now devil it would be a sin
For you to get my bow
You go on back to hell and to
The wood shed I will go
Johnny are you practicing or
Will your hands grow cold?
The devil walks the land and
Plays a fiddle made of gold
Can you hear the babe a crying
Will he ever know?
The devil wants
His daddy's very soul?
Before we play, I want to thank you
For letting God's own Word ring true
He said, "You can't be trusted
Yes but what you gonna do?"
Well you get your fiddle devil if
You think that you can win
'Cos I beat you once you old dog
And I can whip your butt again
John Brown's green, the devil is red
Mama's little baby loves short-nymph bread
The devil's dream is that he can win
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now.
Oh, you're a hard one,
But I know that you've got your reasons.
These things that are pleasin' you,
Can hurt you somehow.
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy,
She'll beat you if she's able.
Know the queen of hearts is always your best bet.
Now it seems to me, some fine things,
Have been laid upon your table.
But you only want the things that you can't get.
Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger:
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home.
And freedom, oh freedom,
Well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking,
Through this world all alone.
And don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow, the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're loosin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feeling,
Goes away?
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, and open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you,
You better let somebody love you,
You better let somebody love you,
You better let somebody love you,
Delia, oh, Delia Delia all my life
If I hadn't have shot poor
Delia I'd have had her for my wife
Delia's gone, one more round Delia's gone
I went up to Memphis
And I met Delia there Found her in her parlor
And I tied to her chair
Delia's gone, one more round Delia's gone
She was low down and trifling
And she was cold and mean
Kind of evil make me want to Grab my sub machine
Delia's gone, one more round Delia's gone
First time I shot her I shot her in the side
Hard to watch her suffer
But with the second shot she died
Delia's gone, one more round Delia's gone
But jailer, oh, jailer Jailer,
I can't sleep 'Cause all around my bedside
I hear the patter of Delia's feet
Delia's gone, one more round Delia's gone
So if you woman's devilish
You can let her run
Or you can bring her down and do her
Like Delia got done
Oh come all you young fellers so young and so fine
Seek not your fortune in a dark dreary mine
It'll form as a habit and seep in your soul
Till the stream of your blood runs as black as the coal
Where it's dark as a dungeon and damp as the dew
Where the danger is double and pleasures are few
Where the rain never falls the sun never shines
It's a dark as a dungeon way down in the mine
Well it's many a man that I've seen in my day
Who lived just to labor his whole life away
Like a fiend with his dope and a drunkard his wine
A man will have lust for the lure of the mine
Where it's dark as a dungeon ....
And pray when I'm dead and my ages shall roll
That my body would blacken and turn into coal
Then I'll look from the door of my heavenly home and pity the miner digging my bones
I remember when I was a lad,
times were hard and things were bad.
But there's a silver lining behind every cloud.
Just poor people, that's all we were.
Trying to make a living out of black land dirt.
We'd get together in a family circle singing loud.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long.
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
No, the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Now I remember after work,
Mama would call in all of us.
You could hear us singing for a country mile.
Now little brother has done gone on.
But, I'll rejoin him in a song.
We'll be together again up yonder in a little while.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Cause singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long,
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
Oh, no the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Now I will tell you buster that I ain't a fan of Custer
And the General he don't ride well anymore
To some he was a hero but to me his score was zero
And the General he don't ride well anymore
Now Custer done his fightin' without too much excitin'
And the General he don't ride well anymore
General Custer come in pumpin' when the men were out a huntin'
But the General he don't ride well anymore
With victories he was swimmin' he killed children dogs and women
But the General he don't ride well anymore
Crazy Horse sent out the call to Sitting Bull and Gall
And the General he don't ride well anymore
Now Custer split his men well he won't do that again
Cause the General he don't ride well anymore
Twelve thousand warriors waited they were unanticipated
And the General he don't ride well anymore
It's not called an Indian victory but a bloody massacre
And the General he don't ride well anymore
There might have been more enthusin' if us Indians had been losin'
But the General he don't ride well anymore
General George A.Custer oh his yellow hair had lustre
But the General he don't ride well anymore
For now the General's silent he got barbered violent
And the General he don't ride well anymore
She said come in stranger
It's good to have you home
I hurried thru 'cause I knew it was you
When I saw your dog, waggin' his tail
Honey, why didn't you let me know by mail
You've been gone so long
She said come in stranger
I know you're weary from all your miles
Just sit right there in your easy chair
And tell me all about the places you've been
How long it'll be before you leave again
I hope it's a long, long while
She said come in stranger
Everything 'round home is fine
I've watched and I've waited for you to get back
And I missed you all the time
(Instrumental)
She said come in, stranger
Oh how I need you when you're gone
I walk the floor and I watch the door
And when I lie awake and wonder where you can be
I'd give anything to have you here with me
I get so lonesome all alone
She said come in, stranger
And won't you listen to my plea
Stay long enough, so that the one I love
(Oh my darling Clementine)
She knew that Cody was the man she wanted but she had waited nearly all her life
Just one more trip to town to tell the boys goodbye
Then he'd be back to take her for his wife (don't you worry) Clementine
Cody saddled up and left his darling then rode to town to celebrate his plan
He told 'em this would be his last carousing
I'm gonna settle down boys if I can (with my darling) Clementine
Someone said it must have been past midnight when Cody had to face a jealous man
Another story goes that no one really knows
But it seems there was a dancehall girl called Nan (don't you tell) Clementine
We do know that the shot or two was heard from some back room
Then there was a silence in the place
Just one more trip to town but all his chips were down
They found Cody lyin' on his face (softly callin') Clementine
So buddies make a monument to lay down at his head
Sure you hate to leave your pal behind
Mother help your daughter put her weddin' dress away
Ridin' on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday mornin' rail
15 cars & 15 restless riders
Three conductors, (( 24 )) sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of (( Kanknkee ))
Rolls along past houses, farms & fields
Passin' graves that have no name, freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of rusted automobiles
Chorus:
Good mornin' America, how are you?
Don't you know me? I'm your native son!
I'm the train they call the City of New Orleans
I'll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Dealin' cards with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain't no one keepin' score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
And feel the wheels grumblin' neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters & the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers' magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep, rockin' to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Repeat Chorus
Night time on the City of New Orleans
Changin' cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we'll be there by mornin'
Thru the Mississippi darkness rollin' down to the sea
But all the towns & people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain't heard the news
The conductor sings his song again
"The passengers will please refrain:
This train has got (( the disappearing )) railroad blues
I was just a kid roamin' around travelin' through a little ol' town
A man walked up and said come with me you're broke and son that's vagrancy
I carefree lad that love to roam but Lord I wish I'd stayed at home
The way it looks I'll prob'ly hang cause there ain't no hope on a chain gang
I dig that ditch I chop that corn I curse the day that I was born
I believe it's better for a man to hang than to work like a dog on a chain gang
[ ac.guitar ]
The guard stands there with a great big gun I bet he'd love to see me run
And I guess I prob'ly will some day I'd rather be dead than to live this way
He's well fed and he's six foot tall and he's a meanest of them all
He cracks that whip and he swings that cane the sun must've touched his brain
I dig that ditch...
[ dobro ]
I gat a gal back home that's sweet and kind and she's been waitin' a long long time
I just told her to forget my name I won't ever live down to shame
Lord deliver me from this hole before I lose my mind and soul
The place gets weak and the back gets broke ain't no cause to laugh and joke
I dig that ditch...
Casey joins the hollow sound of silent people walking down
The stairway to the subway in the shadows down below
Following the footsteps through the neon-darkened corridors
Of silent desperation, never speakin' to a soul
The poisoned air he's breathin' has the dirty smell of dyin'
'Cause it's never seen the sunshine and it's never felt the rain
But Casey minds the arrows and ignores the fatal echoes
Of the clickin' of the turnstile and the rattle of his chain
"Oh," she said, "Casey it's been so long since I've seen you"
"Here," she said, "just a kiss to make a body smile"
"See," she said, "I've put on new stockings just to please you"
"Lord," she said, "Casey can you only stay a while"
Casey leaves the underground and stops inside the Golden Crown
For something wet to wipe away the chill that's on his bones
Seein' his reflection in the lives of all the lonely men
Who reach for anything they can to keep from goin' home
Standing in the corner, Casey drinks his pint of bitter
Never glancin' in the mirror at the people passin' by
Then he stumbles as he's leaving and he wonders if the reason
Is the beer that's in his belly or the tear that's in his eye
"Oh!" she said, "I suppose you seldom think about me"
"Now," she said, "now that you've a family of your own"
"Still," she said, "it's so blessed good to feel your body"
My bills are all due and the babies need shoes,
But I'm Busted
Cotton is down to a quarter a pound
And I'm Busted
I got a cow that's gone dry
And a hen that won't lay
A big stack of bills
Getting bigger each day
The county's gonna haul my belongings away,
But I'm Busted
So I called on my brother to ask for a loan
'Cause I was Busted
I hate to beg like a dog for a bone,
But I'm Busted
My brother said, "there's not a thing I can do,
My wife and my kids
Are all down with the flu
And I was just thinkin' about callin' on you,
'Cause I'm Busted."
Lord, I'm no thief, but a man can go wrong,
When he's Busted
The food that we canned last summer is gone,
But I'm Busted
Now the fields are all bare
And the cotton won't grow
Me and my family's gotta pack up and go
But I'll make a living, just where, I don't know
When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry
them all;
I'm on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can't be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Sail on silvergirl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
There's an engine at the station and the whistle calls my name
It's callin' callin' callin', come and get aboard the train
My baby's gone and I'm alone to live in misery
I'm gonna call and make a reservation for me
Gonna ride a blue train, gonna ride a blue train
Gonna ride a blue train, gonna ride a blue train
I'm gonna climb aboard and ride until I learn to smile
I'll be knockin' out the blues while I'm knockin' out the miles
With my guitar, beat and rhythm, to the click-clack of the wheels
I'm gonna sing the blues 'cause that's the way that I feel
I'm gonna ride a blue train, gonna ride a blue train
Gonna ride a blue train, gonna ride a blue train
Conductor, go and tell the man, to shovel on the coal
It doesn't seem half as bad as long as I can roll
Give me another ticket and I'll stay and ride with you
There's nothing left to live for in this world we're rollin' through
Gonna ride a blue train, gonna ride a blue train
To the town of Agua Fria,
rode a stranger one fine day,
hardly spoke to folks around him,
didn't have to much to say,
no one dared to ask his business,
no one dared to make a slip,
for the stranger there among them
had a big iron on his hip,
a big iron on his hip.
It was early in the morning
when he rode into the town,
he came riding from the south side
slowly looking all around,
he's an outlaw loose and running
came the whisper from each lip
and he's here to do some business
with the big iron on his hip,
the big iron on his hip.
In this town there lived an outlaw
by the name of Texas Red,
many men had tried to take him
and that many men were dead,
he was vicious and a killer
though a youth of twenty four,
and the notches on his pistol
numbered one and nineteen more,
one and nineteen more.
Now this stranger started talking
made it plain to folks around,
he was an Arizona Ranger
wouldn't be too long in town,
he came here to take an outlaw
back alive or maybe dead,
and he said it didn't matter
he was after Texas Red,
after Texas Red.
The morning passed so quickly
it was time for them to meet,
it was twenty past eleven
when they walked out in the street,
folks were watchin' from their windows
everybody held their breath,
they knew this handsome Ranger
was about to meet his death,
was about to meet his death.
There was forty feet between them
when they stopped to make their play,
and the swiftness of the Ranger
is still talked about today,
Texas Red had not cleared leather
when a bullet fairly ripped,
and the Rangers aim was deadly
with the big iron on his hip,
the big iron on his hip.
Big iron, big iron,
and he tried to match the Ranger
with the big iron on his hip,
I know that hearts were loving
Long before I was here
And I'm not the first to ever cry
In my bed or in my beer
There were songs before there was radio
Of love that stays and love that goes
They were writing meloncholy tunes
And tearful words that rhyme
Before my time
Before my time
There were songs in old dusty books
Of love thats always been
Sweet lovers in their glory
Who are now gone with the wind
Old fashion love words spoken then
Keep coming back around again
Nothings changed except the names
Their love burns just like mine
Before my time
Before my time
And in the dim of yesterday
I can clearly see
That flesh and blood cried out to someone
As it does in me
And there was some old song that said
I love you 'til I die
Before my time
Before my time
But what the old time masters had
Is what I feel for you
Love is love and doesn't change
In a century or two
If someway they had seen and knew
How it would be for me and you
They'd wish for love like yours
And they would wish for love like mine
Before my time
I couldn't hear you for the TV, I didn't know you said goodbye
I saw your cancelled check for the airfare, didn't know flyin' got too high
Beans for breakfast once again, hard to eat 'em from the can.
I've run out of clean utensils, I'm a hungry nasty lonesome man
I heard the crows outside my window, guess it's me they're talkin' about
The fire you lit has burnt to cinders, every good things fizzled out
Beans for beakfast once again, hard to eat 'em from the can.
Wish you'd come back and wash the dishes, I'm a hungry nasty lonesome man
Caught a cold with the window open, crow droppings o my window sill
Probably got histoplasmosis, got no gun or I would kill them crows
Beans for breakfast once again, hard to eat 'em from the can.
Plastic forks are a dime a dozen I'm a hungry nasty lonesome man
Finally made it to the mailbox, felt so bad I thought I'd die
All I got was a bill from my doctor, well I guess flyin' ain't so high
Bean for breakfast once again, hard to eat 'em from the can.
Blue tick mattress cold and greasy, I'm a hungry nasty lonesome man
The house burned down from the fire that I built, in your closet by mistake
After I took all them pills, but I got out safe in my duck head overalls
Ha ha ha come on bad news ha ha
Well bad news travels like wild fire goodnews travels slow
They all call me Wildfire ha ha cause everybody knows
I'm bad news everywhere I go
Always gettin' in a trouble and leaving little girls that hate to see me go
They tried to hang me in Oakland and the did in Francisco
But I wouldn't choke I broke their rope and they had to let me go
Cause I'm bad news everywhere I go
Always gettin' in a trouble and leaving little girls that hate to see me go
Now from north to south east to west the story is the same
From one state to another I have to change my name
Cause I'm bad news everywhere I go
Always gettin' in a trouble and leaving little girls that hate to see me go
[ dobro ]
Well now I've picked peaches in Georgia I lumberjacked in Maine
I've been hired fired and jailed in any town you can name
Cause I'm bad news everywhere I go
As long as the moon shall rise as long as the rivers flow
As long as the sun will shine as long as the grass shall grow
The Senecas are an Indian tribe of the Iroquios nation
Down on the New York Pennsylvania Line you'll find their reservation
After the US revolution cornplanter was a chief
He told the tribe these men they could trust that was his true belief
He went down to Independence Hall and there was a treaty signed
That promised peace with the USA and Indian rights combined
George Washington gave his signature the Government gave its hand
They said that now and forever more that this was Indian land
As long as the moon shall rise...
On the Seneca reservation there is much sadness now
Washington's treaty has been broken and there is no hope no how
Across the Allegheny River they're throwing up a dam
It will flood the Indian country a proud day for Uncle Sam
It has broke the ancient treaty with a politician's grin
It will drown the Indians graveyards cornplanter can you swim
The earth is mother to the the Senecas they're trampling sacred ground
Change the mint green earth to black mud flats as honor hobbles down
As long as the moon shall rise...
The Iroquios Indians used to rule from Canada way south
But no one fears the Indians now and smiles the liar's mouth
The Senecas hired an expert to figure another site
But the great good army engineers said that he had no right
Although he showed them another plan and showed them another way
They laughed in his face and said no deal Kinuza dam is here to stay
Congress turned the Indians down brushed off the Indians plea
So the Senecas have renamed the dam they call it Lake Perfidy
As long as the moon shall rise...
Washington Adams and Kennedy now hear their pledges ring
The treaties are safe we'll keep our word but what is that gurgling
It's the back water from Perfidy Lake it's rising all the time
Over the homes and over the fields and over the promises fine
No boats will sail on Lake Perfidy in winter it will fill
In summer it will be a swamp and all the fish will kill
But the Government of the USA has corrected George's vow
The father of our country must be wrong what's an Indian anyhow
As long as the moon shall rise (look up) as long as the rivers flow (are you thirsty)
What's a nice girl like you
Doing in a place like this
The people here should be in a zoo
The kind of zoo that shouldn't exist
Where the elephants are heavily drugged
The giant pandas sleep in a shed
And people watch them try to make love
Behind a sign that says they mustn't be fed
I've seen a lot of action
I've seen a lot a pain
I'm going back to Jackson
I won't be with you again
What's a nice boy like me
Doing with a girl like you
Coincidence or chemistry
You were my first tattoo
I've seen a lot of action
I've seen a lot a pain
I'm going back to Jackson
I won't be with you again
I thought I was bullet proof
But a bullet proved I was wrong
I walked with the gospel truth
The Matthew, Mark Luke and John
I saw my life pass through
Your torn tattoo bullet hole
I saw my birth, my school
My further education and dole
Now in the chapel there's a preacher
With a porno star's moustache
He's gonna send my soul to Jesus
What ya got!
Quit my job, flipped off the boss, took my name off the payroll
(Screw you man)
Picked up my cell, rang my baby's bell, said, ?I'm three miles from home?
I said, ?Sugar, won't you put on that sun dress I like so much
Wait out by the road, I'm comin' to pick you up?
(Whoa, whoa)
Throw your suitcase in the back
(Whoa, whoa)
Done gassed up the Pontiac
(Whoa, whoa)
Blastin' out to Johnny Cash
Headin' for the highway
Baby we ain't ever comin' back
It's four hundred and sixty-seven miles to the outskirts of Las Vegas
What do you say we go get married
By a preacher man who looks like Elvis?
(Yeah momma)
But sugar don't you worry about tellin' your momma goodbye
We'll send her a souvenir postcard from the wild side
(Whoa, whoa)
Throw your suitcase in the back
(Whoa, whoa)
Done gassed up the Pontiac
(Whoa, whoa)
Blastin' out to Johnny Cash
Headin' for the highway
Baby we ain't ever comin' back
(Whoa, whoa)
Throw your suitcase in the back
(Whoa, whoa)
Done gassed up the Pontiac
(Whoa, whoa)
Blastin' out to Johnny Cash
Headin' for the highway
Baby we ain't ever comin' back
Suey!
(Whoa, whoa)
(Whoa, whoa)
I hear that train a comin'
(Whoa, whoa)
Rollin' around the bend
(Whoa, whoa)
The man in black gonna rock your ass again
(Whoa, whoa)
(Whoa, whoa)
