(G)We met in a garden of (D)roses
One night when the moon was (G)blue
We (C)kissed as the breeze whispered (G)through the trees
I (D)love you, I love only (G)you
Chorus:
You were (C)sweet as the dew on the (G)roses
(C)True as the new moon (G)above
(C)Forever and ever my (G)darling
It's (D)you, only you that I (G)love
We (G)promised to meet in the (D)garden
Again when the moon was (G)new
But (C)fate came between all our (G)hopes and dreams
For (D)heaven was lonely for (G)you
(G)Now I walk alone in the (D)garden
Each night when the moon is (G)new
And I (C)cry as the breeze whispers (G)through the trees
I (D)love you, I love only (G)you
My (C)tears make the dew on the (G)roses
(C)Blue as the new moon (G)above
(C)Forever and ever my (G)darling
It's (D)you, only you that I (G)love
(Arthur Leo Owens - Judy Vowell)
An early mornin' kiss with a touch of tenderness
Is the way that you used to start my day
But your forgetfulness fills me with an emptiness
That makes me wonder why you've changed your ways.
You'll never know how lonesome it's been
Waiting for you to be your old self again
Our sweet and tender times have completely slipped your mind
Cause you can't find one memory to forget
Baby you couldn't feel this way about all our yesterdays
If you could just remember what I can't forget.
--- Guitar - fiddle - steel Instrumental ---
I still remember when every night used to begin
With love when love was more than just a word
Before this hopelessness took the place of happiness
When don't touch me were words I never heard.
You'll never know how lonesome it's been
Waiting for you to be your old self again
Our sweet and tender times have completely slipped your mind
Cause you can't find one memory to forget
Baby you couldn't feel this way about all our yesterdays
If you could just remember what I can't forget...
(Jim Glaser - Jimmy Payne)
When I think of the dreams I've let slip through my hands
And the years that I've wasted Lord I've cried from my shame
But when I feel the glow of your love then I know
That I've done at least one thing that was good in my life.
Yes, I've done at least one thing that was good in my life
And with you I have one dream that will live through the night
And each day I will know as I watch our love grow
That I've done at least one thing that was good in my life.
When I think of the dreams I've let slip through my hands
And the years that I've wasted Lord I've cried from my shame
But then when I feel the glow of your sweet love then I know
That I've done at least one thing that was good in my life.
Yes, I've done at least one thing that was good in my life
And with you I have one dream that will live through the night
And each day I will know as I watch our love grow
That I've done at least one thing that was good in my life...
(Hank Snow)
Now if you wanna get in trouble I'll tell you how to do it
You get a guitar and then you're into it
You play all day and you play all night
And folks say he'll never learn to play that thing right
Always griping won't let you practice.
I bought my guitar some time ago
And the man said I'd learn in a week or so
He gave me a book and a pick or two
And said now Hank it's up to you the dirty dog
Cost me four ninety-five too wish I could find him now.
--- Instrumental ---
Well, never the less I'd spent my dough
And I couldn't let it go to waste you know
So I took that book, guitar and all
And I went back home where the trees were tall
Way down in Tennessee a good place to be when you got a guitar.
Then for weeks and weeks I labored hard
Tryin' to learn a few main chords
The book said it's easy as ABC
But brother my fingers they was killin' me
Got sore right on the end couldn't press down the strings
Felt disgusted.
--- Instrumental ---
But I kept on a playin' with all my might
I could see ma's hair was a turnin' white
Her face was lined with discontent
And she said her patience was almost spent
Felt nervous ears ringin'
Wanted to scream or scram I don't know which.
Now my sister she took it the worst of all
'Cause she got married that comin' fall
She said for love but I have my doubts
I think the guitar just chased her out
But she wouldn't admit it game girl like
Just couldn't take it that's all.
--- Instrumental ---
Now my old man he took it a different way
He said you may turn your ma's hair gray
And drive your sister away from home
But son either you or I's gonna start to roam
And I'm not leavin' never intend to now you figure it out for yourself.
So the very next day when my clothes was all packed
I swing my guitar across my back
And I caught myself a long freight train
To search the world for my share of fame
But all I found was hardships heartaches handouts.
--- Instrumental ---
Fellas you'd better leave them guitars alone...
Written by Blaine Smith and Reg Cooper
Recorded by Hank Snow
Walkin' with my honey down by the water green green green
Spring is in the air but we're doin' what we order
I'm just a poor boy she's the banker's daughter green green green
Nights are warm and sun is in the valley green green green
Nights are warm and sun is in the valley
Warm and sweet were kisses from my Sally green gren green
Love made us warm and we really shouldn't tarry green green green
Love made us warm and we really shouldn't tarry
Cause she's only seventeen and not allow to marry green green green
I went to the banker ask him for his daughter green green green
I went to the banker ask him for his daughter
He flew into a rage and he said I couldn't court her green green green
The leaves're fallin' and where is my honey gold gold gold
The leaves're fallin' and where is my honey
Curse on that banker and curse on his money gold gold gold
Snow is fallin' on the sun and valley gone gone gone
Snow is fallin' on the sun and valley I'm worried and sick for my darlin' Sally gone gone gone
They pull her body from the freeing water cold cold cold
They pull her body from the freeing water
There beneath the tree lay our baby daughter cold cold cold
Diggin' two graves down by the water green green green
Diggin' two graves down by the water
One for my true love one for baby daughter green green green
Words & Music by C.E. Snow
Nights may be long, skies may be gray,
Maybe you're worried and blue.
Fear not noble soldier, you've the whole world to gain,
For someday your dreams will come true.
CHORUS
Your mother is praying for you, son,
Tho' she's hiding each tear with a smile,
Asking the Saviour to guide you,
To watch over you all the while,
Fight and be brave for the morrow will drive the dark clouds from the blue
And remember each night say a prayer son
For the one that is praying for you.
Poetry.
Yes soldier you can afford to be brave
Lift high that old banner and long may she wave
Think of that sweetheart so brave and so true
And then think of your old mother who's praying for you.
She thinks your tops cause you went over there to fight
For Canada and for England and all things thats right
So you've no need to worry son how she is at home
Cause she's too busy filling stamp books and paying for bonds.
Just keep up the courage soldier cause one of these days
You'll set the whole wide world free and then back o'er the waves
You'll come sailing a hero to the one that loves you
To that loving old mother who's been praying for you.
Repeat Chorus
Written by Terry Fell - Bobby Edwards - Fred Henley
Recorded by Hank Snow
(Walking the floor feeling so blue losing sleep over you)
I lay here at night toss and I turn longing you so how my heart yearns
Honey you're the reason I don't sleep at night
Just walking the floor feeling so blue smoke cigarettes drink coffee too
Honey you're the reason I don't sleep at night
I'm betting you're not losing sleep over me
But if I'm wrong don't fail to call come over and keep me company
Sometimes I go for a walk take a look at the moon
Strum my guitar to some old lonesome tune
Honey you're the reason I can't sleep at night
(Walking the floor feeling so blue smoke cigarettes drink coffee too
Strum my guitar look at the moon losing sleep over you)
Like a bright shootin' star I travel apart tryin' to forget but I haven't yet
In this old world I wandered for a while
From the cold arctic seas to the tropical breeze
Down to old Mexico there's no place I don't know
Baby you're the reason I don't sleep at night
I'm betting you're not losing...
Written by Dave Burgess
Recorded by Hank Snow
Well it's easy for me to be true depend on me
I'll always be faithful to you honey you just wait and see
I'll never have a roving eye my love for you will never die
And honey here's the reason why you're easy to love
You made me happy as I could be I'm satisfied
I hope you're just as happy with me you know how much I've always tried
Here's another thing for you to know my love for you is going grow
And every day I'm going to show you're easy to love
It makes me oh so proud just to be with you
And it's a mighty good feeling to know you feel the same way too
Well you've answered every one of my dreams they've all come true
The world's a better place it seems every since I met you
And here's the last thing I'd like to say thanks so much for lovin' me this way
And promise me you'll always say so easy to love
And here's the last thing...
You're easy to love so easy to love
Words & Music by Jim Glaser
Recorded by Hank Snow
You say you decided to leave me for him,
Perhaps I could stop you, but chances are slim;
I just can't believe that it's over so fast,
You take the future, and I'll take the past.
You take the future and don't look for me,
I'll be behind you with old memories.
Hold on to your happiness and make it last,
You take the future, and I'll take the past.
[Repeat second verse]
Words & Music by C.E. "Hank" Snow
Last night by my window so lonely,
As I mentioned your name in my prayers,
It seemed I could hear your voice calling
From far out on that ocean of stars.
You whispered my name and I saw you
Descending to me from on high.
I had fallen asleep and was dreaming,
Then awoke, hung my troubled head and cried.
CHORUS
You played love on the strings of my heart dear,
When you whispered "I love only you, just you",
But you broke ev'ry promise little darling,
Now the strings on my heart are broken too.
Oh why did you have to deceive me,
Oh why did you prove so untrue, I'm blue,
Ev'ry string on my heart you have broken,
And darling my heart is broken too.
Then I dreamed of a golden tomorrow,
Of a life filled with treasures for you, just you,
As the moon kissed the gold in your curls dear,
You told me you'd always be true.
But the dawn broke your vows little darling,
I know I can never have you, we're thru',
For that old rising sun then awoke me
So weary in my mind and still blue.
CHORUS
On a dark stormy night
Not a star was in sight,
The North wind came howlin' down the line,
Stood a brave engineer
With his sweetheart so dear
His orders - to pull ol' No. 9.
As she kissed him goodbye with a tear in her eye,
The joy in her heart she could not hide...
And the whole world seemed right
As he left her that night,
For tomorrow she'd be his loving bride.
And the wheels hummed a song
As the train moved along
And the black smoke came pourin' from the stack
And the headlight agleam seemed to brighten his dream
For tomorrow he'd be a-comin' back.
As he turned 'round the hill his brave heart stood still
For a headlight was shinin' on his face.
And he whispered a prayer as he threw on the air
He knew this would be his final brake.
In the wreckage he was found lyin' there on the ground,
He begged them to raise his weary head.
As his breath slowly went, here's the message that he sent to his sweetheart that he had planned to wed:
'There's a little white house I bought for our own,
Where I knew we'd be happy you and I.
And dear I know you've been true, I'll leave it to you;
Until we meet in the Golden Gates, goodbye...
yes until we meet in the Golden Gates, goodbye...
yeah until we meet in the Golden Gates, goodbye...'
Words & Music by Cy Coben
Recorded by Hank Snow
Would you mind if I tell you that I go for you?
Would you mind if my heart is beating so for you?
Yes, if you should find I’m the lovin’ kind,
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Would you care if I kinda sorta held your hand?
Would you care if I kissed you like a regular man?
Yes, if you should find that I’m so inclined,
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Would you think it funny if I call you honey?
If I move up closer would you tell me, no, sir?
If I hug and squeeze you, tell me, would it please you?
How I wish I knew, so I’m askin’ you.
Would you mind if I put my arms around you, dear?
Would you mind if I’m makin’ you my life’s career?
If I brag a lot ‘bout the prize I’ve got,
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Would you mind if I take you home to meet my folks?
Would you mind laughin’ at my Daddy’s same old jokes?
And if Ma says, "Son, you have found the one,"
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Would you care if I got my camera and took
A picture of you for my picture book?
If I wanna show the guys who I idolize,
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Would you be down-hearted if I up and started
with some big romancin’, lots of dates and dancin’?
If I kinda mention that it’s my intention
To be goin’ steady would you be ready?
Would you mind if I tell you you’re the cutest thing?
Would you mind goin’ shoppin’ for a wedding ring?
On our wedding day if I shout hooray,
Would you mind, would you mind, would you mind?
Written by Kris Kristofferson
Recorded by Hank Snow
Why me Lord what have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord what did I ever do that was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown
Lord help me Jesus I've wasted it so help me Jesus I know what I am
But now that I know that I've needed you so help me Jesus my soul's in your hand
Please try me Lord if you think there's any way
That I can try to repay for all the wonderful things that I've taken from you
And maybe that Lord yes maybe I can show someone else
Oh what I've been through myself on my way back to you
Lord help me Jesus...
Words & Music by Erwin King
Recorded by Hank Snow
Why do you punish me for loving you,
You’re counting my mistakes, how about yours?
Why do you sentence me to nights of tears?
Convicting all these dreams I’ve dreamed for 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 a lifetime loving, serving time.
Mmmm-mmmm-mmm-mmm
Mmmm-mmmm-mmm
Oh, why did you give me your love, dear
When it lasted only a day
Why did you teach me to love you
Only to turn me away
You promised that you would be true
Your promise was all in vain
But my heart keeps calling for you, dear
Like the flowers call for the rain
You may be sorry some day, dear
That you have broken my heart
That you have passed me away, dear
And fooled me from the start
Now this is my last appeal, dear
I've only a word to say
Oh, why did you give me your love, dear
When it lasted only a day
Written by Charles G. Matthews and Gladys Reinhardt
Recorded by Hank Snow
Where the deep blue pearly waters wash upon white silver sands
Where on the brink of love I kissed her and obeyd my heart's command
Where the deep blue pearly waters wash upon white silver sands
We watched the sunset in the evening in a far and distant land
Oh here beneath God's blue heaven there's a place I must go
Where the sunset in the evening is the only love I know
Where the deep blue pearly waters wash upon white silver sands
Where on the brink of love I kissed her and obeyd my heart's command
We watched the sunset in the evening saw the moon yellow and pale
Watched the gaucho ride the pinto out across the pampas trail
Where the deep blue pearly waters wash upon white silver sands
Where on the brink of love I kissed her and obeyd my heart's command
Written by Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan
Recorded by Hank Snow
Verse 1:
Memories that linger in my heart,
Memories that make my heart grow cold,
Someday we'll live them all again,
When my blue moon again will turn to gold.
Chorus:
When my blue moon turns to gold again,
When the raindrops turn the clouds away,
When my blue moon turns to gold again,
You'll be back here in my arms to stay.
Verse2:
The castles we built in dreams together
Tell the sweetest story ever told,
Someday we'll live them all again
When my blue moon again will turn to gold.
[Chorus]
Verse3:
The lips that used to thrill me so,
Your kisses were meant for only me.
Someday we'll live them all again,
When my golden moon is just a memory.
[Chorus]
When Mexican Joe met Jole Blon
Si, Si, Si, oui, oui, how they carried on
He held her tight and danced all night
And crossed the border at daylight
When Mexican Joe met Jole Blon
Mexican Joe was wild and reckless
He walked into a honky-tonk in Texas
Looking for some real romance and pettin'
On a barroom stool alone this doll was settin'
He walked up to the bar and said, I think I'll have a drink
Three fingers of tequila will clear my head, I think
Well, she looked around and caught his eye
And Joe said, I, yi, yi, yi, yi
When Mexican Joe met Jole Blon
Joe said, Lovely señorita
Let's go out and paint the town
So he danced her and romanced her
And he showed that gal around
Jole Blon said, I'm so hungry
And she breathed a little sigh
So he fed her filet gumbo, enchiladas, on the side
Then he held her close and whispered
Will you be mine for life
She said, Oui, monsieur, but tell me
What'll we do about your wife
But he shouted, Ah, Caramba
I think I'd better go
So he swam he swam across the river
And went back to Mexico
(Repeat 1st verse)
Written by Tillman Franks
Recorded by Hank Snow
(When it's springtime in Alaska it's forty below)
I mushed from Port Barren through a blizzard of snow
Been out prospecting for two years or so
Pulled into Fairbanks the city was a boon
So I took a little stroll to the Red Dog Saloon
As I walked in the door the music was clear
The prettiest voice I had heard in two years
The song she was singin' made a man's blood run cold
When it's springtime in Alaska it's forty below
(When it's springtime in Alaska it's forty below)
It was red headed Luie who was singin' so sweet
I reached down and took the snowpacks off my feet
I reached toward the gal who was singin' the tune
We did the Escimo hop all around the saloon
Where the cariboo crawl and the grizzly bear hug we did our dance on a Kodiac rug
The song she kept singing made a man's blood run cold
When it's springtime in Alaska it's forty below
(When it's springtime in Alaska it's forty below)
I was as innocent as I could be I didn't know Luie was big Ed's wife to be
He took out his knife and he gave it a throw
When it's springtime in Alaska I'll be six feet below
(When it's springtime in Alaska he'll be six feet below
When it's springtime in Alaska he'll be six feet below)
Written by Bob Nolan
Recorded by Hank Snow
(Way out there)
A lonely spot I know where no man will go where the shadows have all the room
I was ridin' free on this old SP humming a southern tune
When a man came along made me hush my song kicked me off way out there
As she pulled out of sight I turned to the right the left and everywhere
But all I could see was a cactus tree and a prairie dog playin' there
I watched the prairie dog feed on the tumbleweed that's his home way out there
So I threw down my load in the desert road rested my weary legs too
I watched the sinking sun make the tall shadows run out across that barren plain
Then I hummed a tune to the risin' moon he gets lonesome way out there
So I closed my eyes to the starlit skies and lost myself in dreams
I dreamed the desert sand was a milk and honey land then I awoke with a start
As she was passin' by I caught her on the fly climbed in an open door
Then I turned around to that desert ground saw the spot I would see no more
As I was ridin' away I heard the pale moon say
Farewell pal it sure gets lonesome here (way out here)
Words & Music by Hank Snow
You said goodbye and left me broken hearted,
You little knew the pain 'twould cause to me,
Those days we shared, sweetheart can never be forgotten,
'Twas Wasted Love but sweet the memory.
CHORUS
Wasted Love and dreams of you.
A broken heart, and oh, so blue.
I gave my all, you gave me heartaches,
'Twas Wasted Love, but sweet the memory.
I should have known it from the start, my darling
But loveis blind, and so I did not see,
I freely gave to you my only heart and soul, dear,
'Twas Wasted Love but sweet the memory.
CHORUS
I thought some day my dreams would all come true, dear,
We'd be together as in the used to be,
But it's too late my ev'ry hope must be forgotten,
'Twas Wasted Love but sweet the memory.
CHORUS
On an ocean of dreams I have wandered it seems
Just wandering wandering on ,
Since I found the note sweetheart that you wrote just saying
That you had already gone.
CHORUS
Will the pretty bird sing,
Will the roses in the Spring
Still blossom when they find that you have gone,
Will the old pals be true
Or will they all leave me too
Just wandering wandering on
Will the little brook play
As it winds along its way
Will the stars keep on shining tho' you've gone
Will they find their way to you
Will they tell you that I'm blue
Or will they too leave me wandering on?
Tho' you've left me and gone I'll keep wandering on
Wandering down life's way
And beneath the lovely blue I may wander back to you
And my dreams will all come true someday.
CHORUS
Written by Jeff Hess
Recorded by Hank Snow
Walking the last mile so weary and slow
It leads to the gallows from where I don't know
One step every minute each minute seems as a year
This parting is bitter when no friend is near
If I had one wish Lawd and that could come true
I'd wish I was pardoned and back home with you
I'd get on my knees Lawd and if you'd forgive
No more would I hurt you as long as I live
(The way I go on Lawd is crashing my soul
It's hard to be tied down in this prison hole)
There is one regret Lawd that tortures my brain
It's that I've been careless in causing you pain
Walking the last mile with each step of blare
Praying forgiveness from him way up there
Oh please say a prayer Lawd for it's my last keep
Please pray the great Master shows mercy on me
Perhaps in the next world on that judgement day
I'll find that the Master washed my sins away
There I'll hold my head up when my soul is free
And rest in your arm Lawd through eternity
I'm a wonder, I'll keep drifting on
Can't see, honey, why you done me wrong
Hard luck sure has got me
I can't sleep a wink
I'll just have to face it from now on
Sailing o'er the sea of dreams, no one cares for me
And we're drifting oh so far apart
You slammed the door of love on me
Had found a new daddy, I could see
By that unwanted sign upon your heart
Seems I'm always on the losin' end
Your little game of love was just pretend
I have learned the hard way
It was plain to see
You were nothing more than just a friend
Never thought you'd treat me so, I can't understand
Why you had to tear my world apart
Left me everything to lose
And along with mean old blues
That unwanted sign upon your heart
Maybe someday that old tide will turn
And your ship will drift on back to me
Then I'll be the captain
You will be the crew
You'll know how it feels to sit and yearn
You may think you're doing fine, and the world is yours
But you played an unfair game to start
When you learn that love is blind
You'll come back but then you'll find
An unwanted sign upon my heart
Written by Jimmie Rodgers
Recorded by Hank Snow
I'm always blue feeling so blue I wish I had someone I knew
Just to help me tuck away my blues lonesome blues
Won't you be that someone to help me lose the blues
I really need someone to love me someone to kiss
Someone to scold me someone to miss
Won't you be that someone to help me lose the blues
I really need someone to love me...
(Hank Snow)
I rode a freight train to El Paso Texas
Happiness I was tryin' so hard to find
Walked across the Rio Grande to another country
Trying to get my baby off my mind.
Trying to get my baby off my mind.
They tell me that she's out in California
Sometimes I think she's still walking by my side
I know another's world now she lives in
I'm trying to get my baby off my mind.
I'm trying to get my baby off my mind.
I hear that she has gone and wed another
I know now a new love's hard to find
I walk the streets all night in El Paso
Trying to get my baby off my mind.
Lord, I'm trying to get my baby off my mind.
--- Instrumental Steel - piano ---
I can hear that mornful whistle of the freight train
Moanin' out his lonesome highball sigh
So now I'm on my way out to California
Trying to get my baby off my mind.
I'm trying to get my baby off my mind.
Trying to get my baby off my mind
I'm trying to get my baby off my mind.
Trying to get my baby off my mind.
I'm trying to get my baby off my mind...
Written by Richard M. Jones
Recorded by Hank Snow
Trouble in mind I'm blue but I won't be blue always
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my backyard someday
I'm gonna lay my head on some lonesome railroad line and let that 2:19 pacify mind
Hello train hello
(Goin' down to the river gonna take me a rockin' chair)
And if the blues don't leave me I'll rock away from here
Trouble in mind I'm blue my old heart is beatin' slow
I ain't had so such trouble in my life before
Trouble trouble trouble
Like a girl she done quit me and it sure does leave my mind
When you see me laughin' it's laughin' to keep from cryin'
I had a dream last night
I thought my good gal had gone
I woke up this mornin'
She really had done me wrong
I know it's not fair
But my good gal has done caught air
I'm goin' away leavin' today
I'm gonna bring my baby back
If that eight wheel driver
Don't jump that railroad track
I'll take her from that man
Bring her home if I can
It's true my baby's gone
I know it won't be long
We'll both be on that train
My baby's comin' home again
She's been trav'lin' around
But now she has thrown him down
(Repeat second verse)
Written by Bill Anderson
Recorded by Hank Snow
(I had your love on the tip of my fingers)
I reached out my arms and I touched you with soft words I whispered your name
I held you right on the tip of my fingers but that was as close as I came
My eyes had a vision of sweet lips yeelding beneath my command
I had your love on the tip of my fingers but I let it slip right through my hands
But I let it slip right through my hands
Somebody took you when I wasn't looking and I should have known from the start
It's a long long way from the tip of my fingers to the love hidden deep in your heart
To the love hidden deep in your heart
It's a long long way...
Recorded by Hank Snow
The sun goes down
And leaves me sad and blue
The iron curtain falls
On this cold war with you
Tho' you don't speak
And I won't speak it's true
Two stubborn people
With a cold war to go through
Why, oh, why should love ever come
To couples, like you and me
Whose cold, cold wars are never done
And whose hearts just can't be free
So let's make up
Or let's just say we're through
I just can't stand another
Cold, cold war with you
Why, oh, why should love ever come
To couples, like you and me
Whose cold, cold wars are never done
And whose hearts just can't be free
So let's make up
Or let's just say we're through
I just can't stand another
Cold, cold war with you
I just can't stand another
Cold, cold war with you
Written by Eddie Noack
Recorded by Hank Snow
These hands ain'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 one ask
For these fingers have worked to the bone
Now don't try to judge me by what you'd like me be
For my life ain't been much success
While some people have power but still they grieve
While these hands brought me happiness
Now I'm tired and I'm old and I ain't got much gold
Maybe things ain't been all that I planned
God above hear my plea when it's time to judge me
Take a look at these hard working hands
(God above hear my plea when it's time to judge me)
Take a look at these hard working hands
Words & Music by Hank Snow
A pale little boy lay there helpless
On the prairie at the close of the day.
"I've been shot in the breast, sir, please help me"
Weak and weary these words he did say
"My mother's an angel in Heaven,
My daddy won't allow me to stay,
So please, sir, I beg you to help me,
I'm an orphan that's cast by the way."
CHORUS
There's a silvery moon on the old corral,
There's a pony that's restless and worn,
There's a little brown saddle that's empty,
And a little grey shirt that is torn.
There's an outcast that longs for a mother
To help him life's battles to fight,
Tho' there's no one to miss little Joe's tender kiss,
But his pony is lonesome to-night.
We worked thro the night until dawning
We tried but 'twas only in vain
He smiled as his eyes closed in slumber
To be free from all sorrow and pain.
He died as the day slowly ended
With the angels he made his last flight
There was no one to miss little Joe's tender kiss
But his pony is lonely to-night.
CHORUS
There's a silver moon on the old corral
But a wreath on the old bunkhouse door
There's a little brown saddle that's empty
That will never be used anymore
He has joined the great foreman up yonder
Where the ranges are care-free and bright
There's a new star a twinkling in heaven
But a pony that's lonely to-night.
CHORUS
Written by Dallas Frazier
Recorded by Hank Snow
(There goes my everything)
I hear footsteps slowly walking as they gently walk across a lonely floor
And a voice is softly saying darling this will be goodbye forever more
There goes my reason for living there goes the one of my dreams
There goes my only possesion there goes my everything
As my mem'ry turns back the pages I can see the happy years we had before
Now the love that kept this old heart beating
Has been shattered by the closing of the door
(There goes my reason...
Recorded by Hank Snow
C F
I saw you last night, again, darlin'
C G7
And you seemed just as lovely to me
C F
I watched as you danced with a stranger
C G7 C
And you seemed just as happy as he
G7 C
I watched as you smiled with a stranger
G7 C
And since you seemed happy and gay
C F
I watched thru a mist in my eyes, dear
C G7 C
Then I Turned And Walked Slowly A- way.
I saw you last night, again, darlin'
And I cried, dear, all night until dawn
A new love has come to your heart, dear
And an old love has faded and gone.
I hope, dear, that you will be happy
There's nothin' more left now to say
I saw you last night, again, darlin'
Then I Turned And Walked Slowly Away..
JOHNNY CASH LYRICS
"Wreck Of The Old '97"
Well they gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia,
Said: "Steve, you're way behind time,
"This is not 38, this is Ol' 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 Ol' '97 roll."
And then a telegram come from Washington station,
This is how it read:
"Oh that brave engineer that run ol 97,
"Is lyin in old Danville dead."
'Cos 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.
He may leave you and never return.
Poor Boy.
Recorded by Hank Snow
Oh you can't be mislead by a name it is said
You can't judge a book by it's cover
And how one can tell what is down in a well
Is a thing I have yet to discover
CHORUS
Oh down in the well-a, deep in the well-a, how deep, oh I couldn't tell-a
Born into rumours that's running around
Down in the well-a, deep in the a well-a, wish in the well-a, trust in the well-a
And your true love, your true love may be found
Oh you may not believe, this tale it be true
And scoff at the well as you go by
But if you don't own a love of your own
One day you may peak in and try
CHORUS
Oh down in the well-a, deep in the well-a, how deep, oh I couldn't tell-a
Born into rumours that's running around
Down in the well-a, deep in the a well-a, wish in the well-a, trust in the well-a
And your true love, your true love may be found
This story is old, this story was told
To me when a very young man
Back when I didn't own a love of my own
But now I'm a family man
CHORUS
Oh down in the well-a, deep in the well-a, how deep, oh I couldn't tell-a
Born into rumours that's running around
Down in the well-a, deep in the a well-a, wish in the well-a, trust in the well-a
And your true love, your true love may be found
And your true love, your true love may be found
Written by Herb Newman and Stan Lebowski
Recorded by Hank Snow
Oh the wayward wind is a restless wind a restless wind that yearns to wonder
And I was born the next of kin the next of kin to the wayward wind
In a lonely shack by a railroad track I spent my younger days
And I guess the sound of the outward bound made me a slave to my wandering ways
Oh the wayward wind...
Oh I met a girl in a border town I vowed we'd never part
Though I tried my best to settle down I'm now alone with a broken heart
Oh the wayward wind...
The wayward wind the wayward wind the wayward wind
She was a young and pretty Coleman county farm girl
Never been more than fifty miles from home
I was just a drifter I was living off the land
Spent the summer on her daddy's farm
In the evening we'd walk along the railroad
We'd hear that lonesome whistle in the night
And she'd pretend we road the rails to Denver
Cause' her head was full of flashin' neon lights
Twas' that big old shiny diesel as it rounded Carter's bend
Was enough to make a young girl want to roam
She'd pretend she rode those shiny rails all around the world
And had the Texas Silver Zephyr bring her home
As summer work was over and restless got to me
I kept talkin' 'bout the places I would go
Then her young head got to spinnin' for the things she'd never seen
So she followed me to Denver in the fall
Then jobs got scarce in central Colorado
And then the winter nights got awful cold
Just one old army blanket was the only one we had
No money for the oil to run the stove
Yes that big old shiny diesel as it rounded Carter's bend
Was enough to make a young girl want to roam
But through all those hungry nights the only promise that I made
I had the Texas Silver Zephyr take her home
When she started feelin' bad she didn't tell me
She had a way of keepin' problems all her own
So I didn't know her troubles with the baby
Before I could get a doctor she was gone
Lord I know it's not the way she really wanted things to be
In her dreams she had a pullman all her own
But she'd be proud of me to know I kept my promise
And had the Texas Silver Zephyr take her home
And had the Texas Silver Zephyr take her home
I'm so lonely since you said goodbye
There's no stars left to shine up above
And my heart aches with pain though it's aching in vain
For the sun has gone down on our love
Now it seems there is nothing left for me
But a dream of a broken memory
So I guess it is through for me and for you
For the sun has gone down on our love
After all I will try to forget
I'll pretend that I have no regret
Though so hard I have tried but the tears I can't hide
For the sun has gone down on our love
Yes, the sun has gone down on our love
There's no stars left to shine up above
And my heart aches with pain though it's aching in vain
For the sun has gone down on our love
THE SUN HAS GONE DOWN ON OUR LOVE
I'm so lonely since you said goodbye
There's no stars left to shine up above
And my heart aches with pain though it's aching in vain
For the sun has gone down on our love
Now it seems there is nothing left for me
But a dream of a broken memory
So I guess it is through for me and for you
For the sun has gone down on our love
After all I will try to forget
I'll pretend that I have no regret
Though so hard I have tried but the tears I can't hide
For the sun has gone down on our love
Yes, the sun has gone down on our love
There's no stars left to shine up above
And my heart aches with pain though it's aching in vain
For the sun has gone down on our love
A long steel rail and a short crosstie
I'm on my way back home
I'm on the train, the king of them all
The Streamlined Cannonball
(Chorus)
Oh, she drives along like a cannonball
Like a star on its heavenly flight
This lonesome sound of the whistle you love
As she travels thru the night
Her headlight gleams out into the night
Her firebox flash you see
The blinds I ride and the lights I love
Are home, sweet home, to me
(Repeat chorus)
I can see the smile of an engineer
Although he's old and gray
A contented heart he awaits back home
Of the Streamlined Cannonball
(Repeat chorus)
I wanted the gold, and I sought it,
I scrabbled and mucked like a slave.
Was it famine or scurvy -- I fought it;
I hurled my youth into a grave.
I wanted the gold, and I got it --
Came out with a fortune last fall, --
Yet somehow life's not what I thought it,
And somehow the gold isn't all.
No! There's the land. (Have you seen it?)
It's the cussedest land that I know,
From the big, dizzy mountains that screen it
To the deep, deathlike valleys below.
Some say God was tired when He made it;
Some say it's a fine land to shun;
Maybe; but there's some as would trade it
For no land on earth -- and I'm one.
You come to get rich (damned good reason);
You feel like an exile at first;
You hate it like hell for a season,
And then you are worse than the worst.
It grips you like some kinds of sinning;
It twists you from foe to a friend;
It seems it's been since the beginning;
It seems it will be to the end.
I've stood in some mighty-mouthed hollow
That's plumb-full of hush to the brim;
I've watched the big, husky sun wallow
In crimson and gold, and grow dim,
Till the moon set the pearly peaks gleaming,
And the stars tumbled out, neck and crop;
And I've thought that I surely was dreaming,
With the peace o' the world piled on top.
The summer -- no sweeter was ever;
The sunshiny woods all athrill;
The grayling aleap in the river,
The bighorn asleep on the hill.
The strong life that never knows harness;
The wilds where the caribou call;
The freshness, the freedom, the farness --
O God! how I'm stuck on it all.
The winter! the brightness that blinds you,
The white land locked tight as a drum,
The cold fear that follows and finds you,
The silence that bludgeons you dumb.
The snows that are older than history,
The woods where the weird shadows slant;
The stillness, the moonlight, the mystery,
I've bade 'em good-by -- but I can't.
There's a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where;
There are lives that are erring and aimless,
And deaths that just hang by a hair;
There are hardships that nobody reckons;
There are valleys unpeopled and still;
There's a land -- oh, it beckons and beckons,
And I want to go back -- and I will.
They're making my money diminish;
I'm sick of the taste of champagne.
Thank God! when I'm skinned to a finish
I'll pike to the Yukon again.
I'll fight -- and you bet it's no sham-fight;
It's hell! -- but I've been there before;
And it's better than this by a damnsite --
So me for the Yukon once more.
There's gold, and it's haunting and haunting;
It's luring me on as of old;
Yet it isn't the gold that I'm wanting
So much as just finding the gold.
It's the great, big, broad land 'way up yonder,
It's the forests where silence has lease;
It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It's the stillness that fills me with peace.
A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon;
The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune;
Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous Dan McGrew,
And watching his luck was his light-o'-love, the lady that's known as Lou.
When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the din and the glare,
There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty, and loaded for bear.
He looked like a man with a foot in the grave and scarcely the strength of a louse,
Yet he tilted a poke of dust on the bar, and he called for drinks for the house.
There was none could place the stranger's face, though we searched ourselves for a clue;
But we drank his health, and the last to drink was Dangerous Dan McGrew.
There's men that somehow just grip your eyes, and hold them hard like a spell;
And such was he, and he looked to me like a man who had lived in hell;
With a face most hair, and the dreary stare of a dog whose day is done,
As he watered the green stuff in his glass, and the drops fell one by one.
Then I got to figgering who he was, and wondering what he'd do,
And I turned my head -- and there watching him was the lady that's known as Lou.
His eyes went rubbering round the room, and he seemed in a kind of daze,
Till at last that old piano fell in the way of his wandering gaze.
The rag-time kid was having a drink; there was no one else on the stool,
So the stranger stumbles across the room, and flops down there like a fool.
In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and I saw him sway;
Then he clutched the keys with his talon hands -- my God! but that man could play.
Were you ever out in the Great Alone, when the moon was awful clear,
And the icy mountains hemmed you in with a silence you most could HEAR;
With only the howl of a timber wolf, and you camped there in the cold,
A half-dead thing in a stark, dead world, clean mad for the muck called gold;
While high overhead, green, yellow and red, the North Lights swept in bars? --
Then you've a haunch what the music meant . . . hunger and night and the stars.
And hunger not of the belly kind, that's banished with bacon and beans,
But the gnawing hunger of lonely men for a home and all that it means;
For a fireside far from the cares that are, four walls and a roof above;
But oh! so cramful of cosy joy, and crowned with a woman's love --
A woman dearer than all the world, and true as Heaven is true --
(God! how ghastly she looks through her rouge, -- the lady that's known as Lou.)
Then on a sudden the music changed, so soft that you scarce could hear;
But you felt that your life had been looted clean of all that it once held dear;
That someone had stolen the woman you loved; that her love was a devil's lie;
That your guts were gone, and the best for you was to crawl away and die.
'Twas the crowning cry of a heart's despair, and it thrilled you through and through --
"I guess I'll make it a spread misere," said Dangerous Dan McGrew.
The music almost died away . . . then it burst like a pent-up flood;
And it seemed to say, "Repay, repay," and my eyes were blind with blood.
The thought came back of an ancient wrong, and it stung like a frozen lash,
And the lust awoke to kill, to kill . . . then the music stopped with a crash,
And the stranger turned, and his eyes they burned in a most peculiar way;
In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and I saw him sway;
Then his lips went in in a kind of grin, and he spoke, and his voice was calm,
And "Boys," says he, "you don't know me, and none of you care a damn;
But I want to state, and my words are straight, and I'll bet my poke they're true,
That one of you is a hound of hell . . . and that one is Dan McGrew."
Then I ducked my head, and the lights went out, and two guns blazed in the dark,
And a woman screamed, and the lights went up, and two men lay stiff and stark.
Pitched on his head, and pumped full of lead, was Dangerous Dan McGrew,
While the man from the creeks lay clutched to the breast of the lady that's known as Lou.
These are the simple facts of the case, and I guess I ought to know.
They say that the stranger was crazed with "hooch", and I'm not denying it's so.
I'm not so wise as the lawyer guys, but strictly between us two --
The woman that kissed him and -- pinched his poke -- was the lady that's known as Lou.
Written by Ray Griff
Recorded by Hank Snow
The seasons come and go but in my heart I know
Whether it rain or snow our dream's all fair
The seasons drift on by like clouds across the sky
But we both realize that shadows pass
I would never change or try to rearange a thing about you dear
I'll love you just the way you are through all the coming years
The seasons play their parts and each one leaves its mark
But I know in my heart our love will last
I would never change...
Written by Johnny McRae
Recorded by Hank Snow
Rough him up and shove him down
Make him cry when he comes ‘round
Treat him any way you want
After all he’s just runt, just a little runt
Runt is what they called him
But his name was Buddy Grey
He lived out on Maple Street
‘Bout a mile away
Hand-me-downs were all he wore
Poverty and nothing more
Always someone laying for – the runt
They catch him in the school year
When he came out to play
Then get him in a circle
Where he couldn’t get away
They’d shove him here
And they’d shove him there
If he fell down, nobody cared
Just anything to keep him scared -- the runt
Then one day walking home from school
The teasing went just too far
They chased the runt out in the street
Nobody saw the car
They only heard that awful sound
They saw the broken body on the ground
Then everybody gathered around -- the runt
They buried him on Sunday
His classmates all were there
And the tears filled each every eye
When runt’s mother said a prayer
Lord, even though you’ve taken him
I think I understand
He’s finished the job you’ve sent him for
And done it like you planned
If you made all people to look the same
It just wouldn’t be right I guess
So you put a few now and then, like my runt
To bring others’ happiness
His shortness makes others feel tall
His weakness makes others feel strong
His features make others feel pretty and handsome
And his sadness brings others a song
So rough him up and shove him down
Make him cry when he comes ‘round
Treat him any way you want
But thank God for the runt
Yes, thank God for my little runt
Welcome all you children, give a listen to me
Let me tell you about a new boogie beat
There's no hesitation, and it's sweepin' the nation
It's the Rhumba Boogie done the South American way
While Madame Lazonga was teachin' La Conga
In her little cabana in old Havana
We were doin' the Charleston and Ballin' the Jack
Then that old Black Bottom 'til they started that Jitterbug Rag
Then across the water came Cuban Pete
He started a boogie to the Rhumba beat
It's the Rhumba Boogie let's give it a whirl
While he plays the boogie in the South American style
Well, you step out together then you circle around
Count one, two, three, then put your right foot down
Then you circle your lady, as you swing and you sway
To the Rhumba Boogie in the South American way
When that old piano, it starts to ring
Ever'body then starts to sing
To the Rhumba Boogie, done the tropical style
It's the Rhumba Boogie and they're doin' it all of the while
Well, the guy responsible for leadin' the band
He yells, Do your stuff it's the best in best in the land
It's the Rhumba Boogie, let's dance it awhile
To the Boogie Woogie done the Rhumba Cubana style
While Madame Lazonga was teachin' La Conga
In her little cabana in old Havana
The folks in Old Mexico were doing the tango
And we were steppin' to the rhythm of an old guitar
Well across the water came Cuban Pete
He started a boogie to the Rhumba beat
It's the Rhumba Boogie, let's dance it awhile
To the Boogie Woogie done the Rhumba Cubana style
Words and Music by Hank Snow
This old train is speeding southbound and her whistle moans the blues;
And my heart’s as cold as the ice and snow that fills these walkin’ shoes.
That old smoke-stack keeps barkin’ back to me and seems to say:
We’ll carry you on, oh, Restless One.
I had mushed my way on a Husky sleigh, to the land of Midnight Sun;
And I kissed the squaw at the wigwam door, many times I faced a gun.
Brown Eskimo didn’t want me to go, when I told her I must run.
And she gave me the name of the Restless One.
Then I strolled into a tavern in that frozen land afar;
Where I met a beautiful Indian maid, she was known as the Morning Star.
Her eyes were bright like the Northern Lights, when they chase the Arctic moon.
And I knew she was born for the Restless One.
As we danced I gently kissed her in the path of the morning sun;
Love was sweet and oh, so blissful, with a romance just begun.
The Restless One had gone and fell in love with the Yukon Queen.
And she fell in love with the Restless One.
Through the door came an angry red-skin, on his head was a beaded band;
I was courtin’ the wife of an Indian chief, who ruled with an iron hand.
With a knife he run, but I pulled my gun and I shot him to the floor.
Then the hunt began for the Restless One.
Many days and nights they trailed me out under the northern sky;
Where the wild birds song was mournful and the timber wolf did cry.
But they tracked me down and I’m ‘Frisco bound, I’ve made my final run.
It’s the end of the line for the Restless One.
Written by Hank Snow, Peanut Faircloth, Cordia Volkmar
Recorded by Hank Snow
Santa had a cup of coffee and he ate a little snack thru his pack right over his back
Open the windows of his little shack and shouted oh dasher and dancer
Vixen and blitzen come on here were gonna get a goin' and spread some cheer
So limber your legs and sharpen your hooves
Cause tonight is the night were gonna jump on the roof
So the reindeer they were so proud and grand to take another trip all over the land
They jumped right into thier proper place to get hepped up for that midnight race
Ol' Santa he shook off the ice and snow boarded his sleigh and then yelled let's go
All the little toys were happy too cause they were so bright and new
A little piano then started to play ol' Santa began to swing and sway
Thought he heard a toy drum starting to beat
But he found it was just the rhythm of the reindeer feet
The reindeer boogied in the middle of the road tonight we have a mighty big load
Don't boogie to the left now boogie to the right
Do the reindeer boogie this Christmas eve night
The reindeer boogied...
Recorded by Hank Snow
Who-who-who (Who-who-who)
Who-who-who-who (Who-who-who-who)
A boy and girl were kissing beneath a linden tree
A lonely owl was watching a little jealously
It seemed that he was saying
I want my sweetheart too
But she's flown off with someone
I often wonder who
Who-who-who (Who-who-who-who)
The summer moon grew brighter, the owl looked down at me
He say that I was lonely, alone the same as he
He thought of his beloved
And as I thought of you
He asked the same old question
That I am asking you
The owl and I were blinking and fighting back the tears
We sat all night together like friends of many years
We both are hoping, someday
To find somebody new
Someone who'll make us happy
Another love, but who
Who-who-who (Who-who-who)
Who-who-who-who (Who-who-who-who)
The One Rose (That's Left in My Heart)
You’re as sweet as the red rose in June dear
I love you, adore you, I do
Each night through love land we’d wander, sweetheart
Telling love stories anew
Out of the blue skies a dark cloud came rolling
Breaking my heart in two
Don’t leave me alone,
I love only you
You’re the One Rose that’s left in my heart
Listen folks and I will tell a funny story
You may think it sad but I was in my glory
'Twas a cellar I crept in, cobwebs brushing by my chin
On the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
As my hand fell on the jug I had to snicker
But when I started for the door I went much quicker
For just up above my head someone jumped right out of bed
On the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
As I left that cellar believe me, I was liftin'
And the hops from one arm to the other shiftin'
Then I stopped and hauled the plug, sat there till I drained the jug
Had my mind all set, no spare drops I was missin'
Then on my feet I thought I was, but wasn't
And for roads, I guess I saw about a dozen
When I reached the old porch door I went smack-o on the floor
On the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
I just made one step and landed in the coal box
Then from off the mantle came a Big Ben 'larm clock
But I finally got upstairs after passing seven bears
'Twas the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
By my bedroom door an owl stood taking tickets
Then the monkey stood before me baking biscuits
But the funniest sight of all was two roosters playing ball
On the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
I saw mice as big as horses washing dishes
As an ape came in the door dressed up in britches
Then the floor fell on my head as I tried to get in bed
'Twas the night I stole old Sammy Morgan's gin
Well, I woke next morning guess 'twas closer ev'nin'
And my room was certainly in an awful shape
Someone else had took my head and left an elephant's there instead
On the morning after drinking Sammy's gin
Words & Music by Cindy Walker
Recorded by Hank Snow
The next voice you hear will be your conscience
As you lie awake and try so hard to sleep.
And your unfaithful heart will have to listen
To those shabby little secrets that you keep!
You'll be tormented like you tormented me!
And the tears of shame will fall with ev'ry memory!
But the next voice you hear will make you listen
Till you wish that you had listened to me!
You'll be tormented...
(And you'll wish that you had listened to me)
If you listen a story I’ll tell you,
Of a girl who once lived in this land;
A girl who was once my sweetheart,
She was know as The Blue Velvet Band.
On her cheeks was the first flush of nature,
Her beauty, it seemed to expand,
Her hair hung down in long tresses,
Tied back with a blue velvet band.
I can still see those tears as we parted,
Of my heart broken Blue Velvet Band;
As I left I told her I’d never
Come back to my old home again.
Five years on the wide open spaces
Was all that my poor heart could stand,
every night as I lay on my pillow,
I would dream of my Blue Velvet Band.
Then one night as I lay down dreaming
Of home and poor mother and dad,
Like a flash by my bedside was standing
The form of my Blue Velvet Band.
I started next day for my darling,
Just to go back and make her my bride;
But as I reached the old country depot,
They told my my sweet heart has died.
They laid her to rest in the churchyard,
Midst the sweet summer flowers of the land;
On her finger the ring I had bought her,
On her head was a blue velvet band.
Written by Cy Coben
Recorded by Hank Snow
While looking through my jewelry drawer
Beneath some paper, there I saw
An address book I'd kept throughout the years
It listed all the girls on it
Friends, my list sure has grown
Each name brings back the laughter and the tears
There were girls that I'd romance with
Girls that I had dance with
Some whose face that I just can't recall
There were girls I kissed and lied to
Some I couldn't, and though I tried to
The name of the game was love
And I played it with them all
There was Mary, Martha, Diana, Eva, Josie
Hannah, Anna, Sally, Beth and Rosie
Bonnie, Connie, Susan and Cindy
You get Claudette, Emma and a Minsy
Janet, Gina, Ingrid or a Bessie
Florance, Fanny, surely gonna test us
Francie, Nora, Alice, even Dolly
Gertie, Gretchen, Carmelita and Molly
Girls of every nation, each one a new temptation
They were great, I sure had a ball
They are girls that I had courted
Girls whose marriage plans I hoarded
The name of the game was love
And I played it with them all
There was Betty, Ann, Carol and Yuanita
Cora, Dora, Grace and Rosilita
Mory, Margie, Lisa, Katie
Dottie, Lottie, Lynn and a Sadie
Henrietta, Mabel, Jane and a Alice
Daisy, Maizie, Mona and Cecilia
Lois, Liza, Laura and Leona
Vida, Vee, Louisa and Ramona
Penny, Janice, Silvia, Elmira
Etta, Gretta, Louise or Mira
Merle and Perle, and Leorial and Denise
Doris, Picta, Julia and Amy
Frances, Flora, Dontie, even Trudy
Barbara, Ethel, Ellen is a beauty
Katie, Camden and Athenalina
Georgia, Clara, Alba and Ema
Iris, Elise, Dorothy and Hilda
Olga, Donna, Lulu, Bella, Gilda
Eunice, Phoebe, Ida and a Eda
And I loved them all
And I loved them all
Written by Leiber - Stoller - Wheeler
Recorded by Hank Snow
The cowboy was drunk and braggin'
He told her he had a wagon
A wagon filled up with gold that he'd stole
And then covered all over with hay
She cried when she learned what he'd done that day
The girl who loved the man who robbed the bank
At Santa Fe and got away
Please take it all back she pleaded
Said his love was all she needed
But he said, "I only did it for you
So don't you look at me that way."
Because she loved him so, she said okay
The girl who loved the man who robbed the bank
At Santa Fe and got away
But that night while she lay in the arms of her man
He talked in his sleep and she discovered his plan
He talked in his sleep and gave himself away
When he talked of another girl waiting in San Jose
With the same loving hands that thrilled him
She picked up his gun and killed him
She killed him and threw his gold dust all over his body
Right there where it lay
She was the only mourner there that prayed
The girl who shot the man who robbed the bank
At Santa Fe and got away
Written and Recorded by Hank Snow
The Law Of Love has ruled again, dear,
You said goodbye and went your way.
In chains of sorrow you have bound me,
I'm a prisoner of your love today.
You said your mind had reached the verdict,
You've been the judge right from the start.
The sentence that you gave me, darlin',
Was a lap of tears and a broken heart.
I counted ev'ry star up yonder,
I've watched the moon in heaven so bright.
They seem to share the pain you left me,
That lingers in my heart tonight.
Perhaps some day you'll grant a pardon,
Perhaps someday bring back the key,
And open up this lock of love, dear,
And let this weary heart go free.
In the Dodge City Yards of the Santa Fe
Stood a freight made up for the east
And the engineer with his oil and waste
Was groomin' the great iron beast
While ten cars back in the murky dust
A boxcar door swung wide
And a hobo lifted his pal aboard
To start on his last long ride
A lantern swung and the freight pulled out
The engine, it gathered speed
The engineer pulled the throttle wide
And clucked to his fiery steed
Ten cars back in the empty box
The hobo rolled uphill
The flare of the match showed his partner's face
Stark white and deathly still
As the train wheels clicked on the couplin' joints
A song for the rambler's ear
The hobo talked to the still white form
His pal for many a year
(Spoken)
For a mighty long time, we've rambled, Jack
With the luck of men that roam
With the backdoor steps for a dining room
And a boxcar for a home
We dodged the bulls on the Eastern route
And the cops on the Chesapeake
We travelled the Leadville narrow gauge
In the days of Cripple Creek
We drifted down thru sunny Cal
On the rails of that old S. P.
And of all you had, thru good and bad
A half always belonged to me
You made me promise to you Jack
If I lived, and you cashed in
To take you back to the old church yard
And bury you there with your kin
You seemed to know I would keep my word
'Cause you said that I was right
Well, I'm keepin' my promise to you, pal
'Cause I'm takin' you home tonight
I haven't the money to send you there
So, I'm takin' you back on the fly
It's the decent way for a 'bo to go
Home to the by and by
I knew that that fever had you, Jack
And that doctor, he just wouldn't come
He was too busy treatin' the wealthy folks
To doctor a worn-out bum
As the train rolled over its ribbons of steel
Straight thru to the East it sped
The engineer in his high cab seat
Kept his eye on the rails ahead
While ten cars back in the empty box
A lonely hobo sighed
For the days of old and his pal, so cold
Who was takin' his last long ride
Recorded by Hank Snow / Jimmie Rodgers
Words and music by MacWilliams and Rodgers
[C] Riding on an East-bound freight train, [F] speeding thru the [C] night [F]
Hobo Bill, [C] a railroad bum, was [D] fighting for his [G7] life...
The [C] sadness of his eyes revealed the [F] torture of his [C] soul
He [F] raised a weak and [C] weary hand to [G7] brush away the [C] cold.
~ YODEL: [C] Ho-ho-o [G7] Bo-o-o [C] Bil-lie!
No warm lights flickered around him, no blankets there to fold
Nothing but, the howling wind and the driving rain, so cold ...
When he heard a whistle blowing, in a dreamy kind of way
The hobo seemed contented for he smiled there where he lay.
YODEL: [C] Ho-ho-o [G7] Bo-o-o [C] Bil-lie!
Outside the rain was fallin' on that lonesome boxcar door
But the little form of Hobo Bill lay still upon the floor...
As the train sped thru the darkness and the raging storm outside
No one knew that Hobo Bill was taking his last ride.
TRAIN WHISTLE
It was early in the mornin' when they raised the hobo's head
The smile still lingered on his face, but Hobo Bill was dead ...
There was no mother's longin', to soothe his weary soul
For he was just a railroad bum, who died out in the cold.
TRAIN WHISTLE fade
Words & Music by Hank Snow, Mary Jean Shurtz, and Boudleaux Bryant
Recorded by Hank Snow
You put your heart upon an auction block and sold it,
Selfish greed and envy were the auctioneers.
The highest bidder won your heart but he can't hold it;
Love that's bought with gold can only end in tears.
The price I offered was my true love and devotion,
But you laughed and said that love had had its day
When at your feet I laid a heart filled with emotion,
You scorned the only price that I could pay.
May the golden price he paid you for your love, dear,
Keep you with him, may you never drift apart;
'Cause at the auction of regrettal, tears are worthless,
Bids are low for second-handed broken hearts.
When all your wealth and riches cease to give you pleasure,
When you tire of playin' princess, you'll recall
That love alone is life's true everlasting treasure,
And my bid, it was the highest after all.
Words & Music by Hank Snow
Did I commit the greatest sin,
Was it on my wedding day,
I married someone else not you?
I I thougt I'd spied you there that day.
We quarrled,and I took the ring that you gave back to me,And gave it to
somebody who
has loved me faithfully.
I married her,But I love you,And I know you love me too.
Mine is the Greatest sin because,
I ruined her life mine and yours
music
We quarrled,and I took the ring that you gave back to me,and gave it to
somebody who loved me faithfully.I married her,but I love you,
And I know you love me too.
Mine is the greatest sin because,
I ruined her life mine and yours
Recorded by: Hank Snow
Written by Tony Austin
[C] The Warden made a comment
That the Governor sure does write a pretty [D] hand
As he [G] handed me the paper
That has given me my freedom, once a-[C] gain
The Governor said I'm sorry
That new evidence came seven years too [D] late
Go [G] home and start your life again
Revenge will only fill your heart with [C] hate.
As the train pulls into the station
I can see Peggy waiting there for me
But I can tell there's something wrong
She's not the happy girl she used to be
Peggy hasn't said much
As she drives along the road back to our farm
And she ignored the question
When I asked her where she got this pretty car.
As she pulled into the driveway
I can see she's planted flowers all around
I'm surprised to see good paint
I thought the place would surely be run down
I said Peggy you've done wonders
And I wonder how you've done it on your own
She said I had to hire a hand
I never could have run this farm alone.
CHANGE TO D:
[D] Then Peggy started cryin' and she said
There's something that you have to [E] see
There's a [A] little boy inside
And you should know that he is only [D] three
We went inside and Peggy said
I'm sorry but there's nothing I can [E] do
But if [A] you'll let us stay here
I'll try my best to make it up to [D] you.
The little boy looked frightened
At the thin man who has come in from the cold
He hides behind his mother's skirt
As she bends down to wipe his little nose
I said Peggy, I still love you
And I'll do my best to try to understand
For God has pardoned both of us
And don't the Governor write a pretty hand?
Then [A] Peggy dried her tears when I said
Don't the Governor write a pretty [D] hand?
[E] From old Montana down to Alabam'
I've [A] been before and I'll travel again
You [E] triflin' women can't keep a good man [B7] down
You [E] dealt the cards, but you missed the play
So [A] hit the road and be on your way
Gonna [E] board the Golden [B7] Rocket and leave this [E] town.
I was a good engine a-runnin' on time
But baby I'm switchin' to another line
So honey never hang your signal out for me
I'm tired of runnin' on the same old track
Bought a one-way ticket and I won't be back
This Golden Rocket's gonna roll my blues away.
Hear that lonesome whistle blow
That's your cue and by now you know
That I got another true lover waitin' in Tennessee
This Midnight Special's a-burnin' the rail
So woman don't try to follow my trail
This Golden Rocket's gonna roll my blues away.
Hear her thunder on through the night
This Golden Rocket is a-doin' me right
And that sunny old Southland sure is a part of me
Now from your call-board erase my name
Your fire went out, you done lost your flame
And this Golden Rocket is a-rollin' my blues away.
That old conductor, he seemed to know
You'd done me wrong, I was feelin' low
For he yelled aloud, "We're over that Dixon Line"
The brakeman started singing a song
Said "You're worried now, but it won't be long
This Golden Rocket is leavin' your blues behind."
Then the porter yelled with his southern drawl
Let's "rise and shine, good mornin', you-all"
And I sprang to my feet to greet the new-born day
When I kissed my baby in the station door
That whistle blew like it never before
On the Golden Rocket that rolled my blues away.
(Chorus)
Oh! the gold rush is over so honey bye bye
Stake out your claim now on some other guy
I've wined you and dined you 'til my money is gone
But the gold rush is over and the bum's rush is on
Now when I had the money honey, things were just fine
You spent my money like I was a mine
But now you mistreat me 'cause my money is gone
So gold-diggin' Mama, you can start moving' on
You shoveled out the sweet talk when the pay dirt was big
Now all you shovel out is just a dirty dig
Well, stop digging honey 'cause you're wasting your time
This old gravy train is at the end of the line
(Repeat Chorus)
You've been out prospecting all around on the side
But this old mule now, has had his last ride
So start walkin' woman 'cause your grubstake is gone
The gold rush is over and the bum's rush is on
(Repeat Chorus)
Recorded by Hank Snow
Author - Hugh Antoine D'Arcy
'Twas a balmy summer evening and a goodly crowd was there
Which well-nigh filled Joe's barroom on the corner of the square
And as songs and witty stories came through the open door
A vagabond crept slowly in and posed upon the floor.
"Where did it come from?" Someone said. "The wind has blown it in?"
"What does it want?" another cried, "Some whiskey, rum or gin?"
"Here, Toby, seek him, if your stomach's equal to the work!"
"I wouldn't touch him with a fork, why, he's as filthy as a Turk."
This badinage the poor wretch took with stoical good grace
In fact, he smiled as though he thought he'd struck the proper place
"Come, boys, I know there's kindly hearts among so good a crowd
Why, to be in such good company would make a deacon proud."
"Give me a drink - that's what I want - I'm out of funds, you know
When I had cash to treat the gang, this hand was never slow
What? You laugh as tho' you thought this pocket never held a sou
Why, I was fixed as well, my boys, as anyone of you."
"There, thanks - that's braced me nicely - God bless you one and all
Next time I pass this good saloon, I'll make another call
Give you a song? No, I can't do that - my singing days are past
My voice is cracked and my throat's worn out and my lungs are going fast.
"Say, Give me another whiskey and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll tell you a funny story and a fact I promise, too
That I was ever a decent man, not a one of you would think
But, I was some four of five years back - say, give us another drink.
"Fill her up, Joe, I want to put some life into my frame
Such little drinks, to a bum like me, are miserably tame
Five fingers - there, that's the scheme - and corkin' whisky, too
Well, here's luck, boys; and landlord, my best regards to you.
"You've treated me pretty kindly and I'd like to tell you how
I came to be the dirty sot you see before you now
As I told you once, I was a man with a muscle, frame and health
And, but for a blunder, ought to have made considerable wealth.
"I was a painter - not one that daubed on bricks and wood
But an artist and for my age, was rated pretty good
I worked hard at my canvas and I was bidding fair to rise
'Coz gradually I saw the star of fame before my eyes.
"I made a picture perhaps you've seen, 'tis called the 'CHASE OF FAME'
It brought me fifteen hundred pounds and added to my name
And then I met a woman - now comes the funny part
With eyes that petrified my brain and sunk into my heart.
"Why don't you laugh? it's funny that the vagabond you see
Could ever love a woman and expect her love for me
But 'twas so, and for a month or two, her smiles were freely given
And when her loving lips touched mine it carried me to heaven.
"Boys, did you ever see a girl for whom your soul you'd give
With a form like the Milo Venus, too beautiful to live
With eyes like the purest of diamonds and a wealth of chestnut hair?
If so, 'twas she, for there never was another half so fair.
"I was working on a portrait one afternoon in May
Of a fair-haired boy, a friend of mine, who lived across the way
And Madeline admired it and much to my surprise
Said she'd like to know the man that had such dreamy eyes.
"It didn't take long to know him and before the month had flown
My friend had stole my darlin' and I was left alone
And ere a year of misery had passed above my head
The jewel that I had treasured so, had tarnished and was dead.
"That's why I took to drink, boys - why, I never saw you smile
I thought you'd be amused and laughing all the while
Why, what's the matter - friend? There's a teardrop in your eye
Come, laugh like me; why 'tis only babes and women that would cry.
"Say, boys, if you'd give me just another whiskey, I'll really be glad
And I'll draw right here a picture of the face that drove me mad
Give me that piece of chalk with which you mark the baseball score
And you shall see the lovely Madeline upon the barroom floor."
Another drink and with chalk in hand the vagabond began
To sketch a face that well might buy the soul of any man
And then as he placed another lock upon the shapely head
With a fearful shriek, he leaped and fell across the picture - dead.
Recorded by Hank Snow
Written by Frank Rose
You promised to love me to the end of the world
And I built a world just for two;
Now I’m alone at the end of the world
What good am I without you?
Gone are the vows that we made by the stars
Gone like a bolt from the blue;
Darlin’ I’m lost at the end of the world
But what good am I without you?
Now yesterday’s love is an old memory
Leaving me so heartsick and so blue;
But where can I turn at the end of the world
And what good is love without you?
So this is the end of a beautiful dream
A dream that can never come true;
I can’t go on to the end of the world
For the end of my world’s loving you.
In an old dusty attic of a tenement house
I happened to wander one day
And there on the rafters 'neath shavings and chips
A drunkard's poor little boy lay
Oh why are you lying up here in the cold
What makes you lie on this hard bed
My father's a drunkard and he beat me today
My darling old mother is dead
I'm hiding from father and please sir, don't tell
He beat me 'cause I would not steal
He said he would kill me the next I failed
And I'm so afraid sir, he will
I'm leaving you here, son, I sadly replied
But I will be back right away
But when I returned to the attic I found
That Jesus had been there that day
The chips and the shavings were there as before
And the little boy lie on his bed
With tears on his cheeks and his hands at his side
The poor little fellow was dead
A picture of mother lay close to his heart
A faint little note by his head
As I opened the paper, my eyes filled with tears
For these were the words that I read
I'm hiding with Jesus across the divide
With dear mother forever I'll dwell
And thank you dear mister for your kindness to me
And now it's alright if you tell
There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam McGee.
Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.
Why he left his home in the South to roam 'round the Pole, God only knows.
He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;
Though he'd often say in his homely way that he'd "sooner live in hell".
On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.
Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see;
It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.
And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,
And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead were dancing heel and toe,
He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess;
And if I do, I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request."
Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; then he says with a sort of moan:
"It's the cursed cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone.
Yet 'tain't being dead -- it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;
So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you'll cremate my last remains."
A pal's last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;
And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.
He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;
And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.
There wasn't a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,
With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, because of a promise given;
It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say:
"You may tax your brawn and brains,
But you promised true, and it's up to you to cremate those last remains."
Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code.
In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.
In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,
Howled out their woes to the homeless snows -- O God! how I loathed the thing.
And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;
And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;
The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;
And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.
Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;
It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the "Alice May".
And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;
Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "is my cre-ma-tor-eum."
Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;
Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;
The flames just soared, and the furnace roared -- such a blaze you seldom see;
And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.
Then I made a hike, for I didn't like to hear him sizzle so;
And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.
It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don't know why;
And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.
I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;
But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;
I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.
I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked"; . . . then the door I opened wide.
And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;
And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: "Please close that door.
It's fine in here, but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm --
Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it's the first time I've been warm."
There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
Written by Fred Wise - Dewey Bergman - Milton Leeds
Recorded by Hank Snow
(Life lost its color when I lost my love)
White's for the wedding that I'll never see blue is for heartaches that she gave to me
Green were those two eyes that stole her away
Gray were the darks skies on that tragic day
Black was the gun that I drew from my side
Red fload the blood where's my false lover's died
Brown was the earth neath the grey skies above life lost its color when I lost my love
Black was the cloak on the old judge that day
White was my face when he said you must pay
Blue were the tears that I shed in myself red are the roses that other folks dwell
Gold was my hair when they first sentenced me it will be silver when they set me free
Gone is the rainbow that shone up above life lost its color when I lost my love
Life lost its color when I lost my love
This is the tale that was told to me by the man with the crystal eye,
As I smoked my pipe in the camp-fire light, and the Glories swept the sky;
As the Northlights gleamed and curved and streamed, and the bottle of "hooch" was dry.
A man once aimed that my life be shamed, and wrought me a deathly wrong;
I vowed one day I would well repay, but the heft of his hate was strong.
He thonged me East and he thonged me West; he harried me back and forth,
Till I fled in fright from his peerless spite to the bleak, bald-headed North.
And there I lay, and for many a day I hatched plan after plan,
For a golden haul of the wherewithal to crush and to kill my man;
And there I strove, and there I clove through the drift of icy streams;
And there I fought, and there I sought for the pay-streak of my dreams.
So twenty years, with their hopes and fears and smiles and tears and such,
Went by and left me long bereft of hope of the Midas touch;
About as fat as a chancel rat, and lo! despite my will,
In the weary fight I had clean lost sight of the man I sought to kill.
'Twas so far away, that evil day when I prayed to the Prince of Gloom
For the savage strength and the sullen length of life to work his doom.
Nor sign nor word had I seen or heard, and it happed so long ago;
My youth was gone and my memory wan, and I willed it even so.
It fell one night in the waning light by the Yukon's oily flow,
I smoked and sat as I marvelled at the sky's port-winey glow;
Till it paled away to an absinthe gray, and the river seemed to shrink,
All wobbly flakes and wriggling snakes and goblin eyes a-wink.
'Twas weird to see and it 'wildered me in a queer, hypnotic dream,
Till I saw a spot like an inky blot come floating down the stream;
It bobbed and swung; it sheered and hung; it romped round in a ring;
It seemed to play in a tricksome way; it sure was a merry thing.
In freakish flights strange oily lights came fluttering round its head,
Like butterflies of a monster size--then I knew it for the Dead.
Its face was rubbed and slicked and scrubbed as smooth as a shaven pate;
In the silver snakes that the water makes it gleamed like a dinner-plate.
It gurgled near, and clear and clear and large and large it grew;
It stood upright in a ring of light and it looked me through and through.
It weltered round with a woozy sound, and ere I could retreat,
With the witless roll of a sodden soul it wantoned to my feet.
And here I swear by this Cross I wear, I heard that "floater" say:
"I am the man from whom you ran, the man you sought to slay.
That you may note and gaze and gloat, and say `Revenge is sweet',
In the grit and grime of the river's slime I am rotting at your feet.
"The ill we rue we must e'en undo, though it rive us bone from bone;
So it came about that I sought you out, for I prayed I might atone.
I did you wrong, and for long and long I sought where you might live;
And now you're found, though I'm dead and drowned, I beg you to forgive."
So sad it seemed, and its cheek-bones gleamed, and its fingers flicked the shore;
And it lapped and lay in a weary way, and its hands met to implore;
That I gently said: "Poor, restless dead, I would never work you woe;
Though the wrong you rue you can ne'er undo, I forgave you long ago."
Then, wonder-wise, I rubbed my eyes and I woke from a horrid dream.
The moon rode high in the naked sky, and something bobbed in the stream.
It held my sight in a patch of light, and then it sheered from the shore;
It dipped and sank by a hollow bank, and I never saw it more.
This was the tale he told to me, that man so warped and gray,
Ere he slept and dreamed, and the camp-fire gleamed in his eye in a wolfish way--
I took a contract to bury the body of blasphemous Bill MacKie,
Whenever, wherever or whatsoever the manner of death he die
Whether he die in the light o' day or under the peak-faced moon;
In cabin or dance-hall, camp or dive, mucklucks or patent shoon;
On velvet tundra or virgin peak, by glacier, drift or draw;
In muskeg hollow or canyon gloom, by avalanche, fang or claw;
By battle, murder or sudden wealth, by pestilence, hooch or lead
I swore on the Book I would follow and look till I found my tombless dead.
For Bill was a dainty kind of cuss, and his mind was mighty sot
On a dinky patch with flowers and grass in a civilized bone-yard lot.
And where he died or how he died, it didn't matter a damn
So long as he had a grave with frills and a tombstone "epigram".
So I promised him, and he paid the price in good cheechako coin
(Which the same I blowed in that very night down in the Tenderloin).
Then I painted a three-foot slab of pine: "Here lies poor Bill MacKie",
And I hung it up on my cabin wall and I waited for Bill to die.
Years passed away, and at last one day came a squaw with a story strange,
Of a long-deserted line of traps 'way back of the Bighorn range;
Of a little hut by the great divide, and a white man stiff and still,
Lying there by his lonesome self, and I figured it must be Bill.
So I thought of the contract I'd made with him, and I took down from the shelf
The swell black box with the silver plate he'd picked out for hisself;
And I packed it full of grub and "hooch", and I slung it on the sleigh;
Then I harnessed up my team of dogs and was off at dawn of day.
You know what it's like in the Yukon wild when it's sixty-nine below;
When the ice-worms wriggle their purple heads through the crust of the pale blue snow;
When the pine-trees crack like little guns in the silence of the wood,
And the icicles hang down like tusks under the parka hood;
When the stove-pipe smoke breaks sudden off, and the sky is weirdly lit,
And the careless feel of a bit of steel burns like a red-hot spit;
When the mercury is a frozen ball, and the frost-fiend stalks to kill
Well, it was just like that that day when I set out to look for Bill.
Oh, the awful hush that seemed to crush me down on every hand,
As I blundered blind with a trail to find through that blank and bitter land;
Half dazed, half crazed in the winter wild, with its grim heart-breaking woes,
And the ruthless strife for a grip on life that only the sourdough knows!
North by the compass, North I pressed; river and peak and plain
Passed like a dream I slept to lose and I waked to dream again.
River and plain and mighty peak--and who could stand unawed?
As their summits blazed, he could stand undazed at the foot of the throne of God.
North, aye, North, through a land accurst, shunned by the scouring brutes,
And all I heard was my own harsh word and the whine of the malamutes,
Till at last I came to a cabin squat, built in the side of a hill,
And I burst in the door, and there on the floor, frozen to death, lay Bill.
Ice, white ice, like a winding-sheet, sheathing each smoke-grimed wall;
Ice on the stove-pipe, ice on the bed, ice gleaming over all;
Sparkling ice on the dead man's chest, glittering ice in his hair,
Ice on his fingers, ice in his heart, ice in his glassy stare;
Hard as a log and trussed like a frog, with his arms and legs outspread.
I gazed at the coffin I'd brought for him, and I gazed at the gruesome dead,
And at last I spoke: "Bill liked his joke; but still, goldarn his eyes,
A man had ought to consider his mates in the way he goes and dies."
Have you ever stood in an Arctic hut in the shadow of the Pole,
With a little coffin six by three and a grief you can't control?
Have you ever sat by a frozen corpse that looks at you with a grin,
And that seems to say: "You may try all day, but you'll never jam me in"?
I'm not a man of the quitting kind, but I never felt so blue
As I sat there gazing at that stiff and studying what I'd do.
Then I rose and I kicked off the husky dogs that were nosing round about,
And I lit a roaring fire in the stove, and I started to thaw Bill out.
Well, I thawed and thawed for thirteen days, but it didn't seem no good;
His arms and legs stuck out like pegs, as if they was made of wood.
Till at last I said: "It ain't no use--he's froze too hard to thaw;
He's obstinate, and he won't lie straight, so I guess I got to saw."
So I sawed off poor Bill's arms and legs, and I laid him snug and straight
In the little coffin he picked hisself, with the dinky silver plate;
And I came nigh near to shedding a tear as I nailed him safely down;
Then I stowed him away in my Yukon sleigh, and I started back to town.
So I buried him as the contract was in a narrow grave and deep,
And there he's waiting the Great Clean-up, when the Judgment sluice-heads sweep;
And I smoke my pipe and I meditate in the light of the Midnight Sun,
And sometimes I wonder if they was, the awful things I done.
And as I sit and the parson talks, expounding of the Law,
CHORUS
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
A is for Adam and he was the first man
B for the brimstone that rained on the land
C is for Cain, he slew his brother you know
D is for Daniel who the lions let go
E is for Elijah, up to heaven he went
F for the furnace where Shadrach was sent
G for Goliath, by a boy he was slain
H is for Hannah who prayed out in vain
CHORUS
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
I is for Isaac whom the Lord didn't fail
J is for Jonah and he lived in a whale
K is for Kingdom that divided us all
L is for Lydia who listened to Paul
M is for Moses, saw the light in the dark
N is for Noah who built the great ark
O is for Obadiah and the prophets he fed
P is for Peter and the tears that he shed
CHORUS
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Q for Queen of Sheba and the wisdom she sought
R is for Ruth and all the good that she brought
S is for Stephen for he suffered anew
T is for trumpet that at Jericho blew
U for Uriah who made the wish dead
V is for Vengeance, is mine the Lord said
W is for Wisdom, that was Solomon's skill
X for the cross on Calvary's Hill
CHORUS
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Y is for Yosep by his brother was sold
Z for Zacharia who shared all his gold
Now id you payed attention and you listened to me
Then you have had the bible from A to Z.
CHORUS
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Taken from the Good Book of the Lord
Hear, hear, hear, the alphabet
Words and Music by Hank Snow
Boys I was born in Texas State, Many years ago,
I've rode on ev'ry range and plain, There's no place I don't know;
I love to swing the lariat, that's all I'll ever do,
I'm a two-gun singing cowboy and I've never had the blues.
For I hop on my old Pinto, And o'er the plains we ride,
Just swingin' in the saddle, my guitar hangs by my side;
Old Pinto's always willing, as for me I'm never sad,
You'll find there beats an honest heart in this old Texas lad.
I sleep out on the rolling plains, My blanket for a bed,
Waiting for the break of day To ride out to the herd;
I'll mount my old cow-pony, wear my boots and Stetson too,
And ride all day on Texas plains beneath the skies of blue.
Now when my cheque of life I cash for the land beyond the sky,
I'm goin; to ride old Pinto out across that Great Divide;
I'll ride the last great Round-up far across the Golden Plains,
Well boys, I hope you liked my song, I'm on my way again.
O lee ay lee o, lee ay lee ay lee o, lee ay lee ay lee o, lee o dee hee,
O ay lee o, lee ay lee o lee o, lee o lee ay lee o -- lee o dee hee.
O lee ay lee o, lee ay lee ay lee o, lee ay lee ay lee o, lee o dee hee,
O ay lee o, dee o lee, ay lee o, dee o dee hee.
Don't forget me little darling while I'm growing old and gray
Just a little thought before I'm going far away
I'll be waiting on the hillside where the wild red roses grow
On the sunny side of the mountains where the rippling waters flow
Don't forget about those days we courted many years ago
Don't forget all those promises you gave me and so
I'll be waiting on the hillside for the day you will call
On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall
Please tell me darling in your letter do you think of me
Please answer little darling tell me where you can be
It's been so long since I've seen you but your love still lingers on
Down in old southern Texas I wandered one day,
Where the tropical sea breezes blow.
I there fell in love with a flower so rare
And they called her the Galveston rose.
Her heart was as true as her blue smiling eyes
And as fair as the lily that grows.
And the finest of gold in no way could compare
With the curls of my Galveston rose.
I grew jealous and falsely accused her one day,
Said her love I no longer should know.
I’ve been true please believe me her little heart cried
But I left her my Galveston rose.
Little then did I think that sometimes I’d repay
And would reap every sorrow and care;
But as years passed along I grew lonely each day
For the one I had left waiting there.
So I wrote to my darling and said I was wrong,
I’ll return dear if you’ll only wed.
But soon came a letter my flower had died
And these are the words that I read.
Your sweetheart is peacefully sleeping tonight
In a grave where the white violets grow;
And enclosed, there’s a curl a last token of love,
And a note from your Galveston Rose.
I was innocent dear though you left me alone,
But remember I loved only you.
And the lock that’s enclosed is a curl from your rose,
Who’ll be waiting in heaven for you…
Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the snowman was a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children know how he come to life one day
There must have been some magic in that old silk that they found
For when they placed it on his head he began to dance around
Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me
[ ac.guitar - piano ]
Frosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that day
So he said let's run and we'll have some fun now before I melt away
Down to the village with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square saying catch me if you can
He led them down the streets of town right up to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler stop
Frosty the snowman had to hurry on his way
Written by Merle Haggard
Recorded by Hank Snow
I thought I w-as through missing you
I thought I was through being blue
C G7
And t-hen someone ment-ioned your n-ame
Some careless friend just chanced to say
That t-hey saw you the other day
C G7
And t-hey said you looked just the same
C F
Then I remem-bered your arms and how they held me dear
C D7 G7
But the memory only brought me that same old empty fear
C F
Now I’m right back where I started that awful day we parted
C G7 C
And all because they men-tioned your name
I told myself the hurt was gone
That not one memory lingered on
C G7
And t-hen someone ment-ioned your n-ame
They didn’t mean to tear away
The veil that hid my yesterday
C G7
But there it was with all the same old pain
C F
For I remem-bered your kiss on the day we said goodbye
C D7 G7
Was the l-ast glowing ember of a flame that had to d-ie
C F
Now I’m right back where I started that awful day we parted
C G7 C
And all because they men-tioned your name
Written by Rusty Keefer - Ruth Keefer
Recorded by Hank Snow
Blue rose of the Rio I can see her now
As she looked that day when I rode away through a golden dawn
It was there by the Rio that we made our vows
Then we kissed goodbye what a fool was I fore I traveled on
I should have known as we kissed such heaven as this could only be
Paradise's lost if it would tossed away so free
Must I wish for manana that will never come true
Blue rose of the Rio my answer is you
(I should have known...
Written by Bob Miller
Recorded by Hank Snow
Sitting alone in an old rockin' chair I saw an old mother with silvery hair
She seemed so neglected by those who should care rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Her hands were caloused and wrinckled and old
A life full of hard work were the story they told
And I've thought of angels as I saw her there rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Bless her old heart do you think she'd complain
Though life has been bitter she'd live it again
And carry the cross that is more than her share rockin' alone in an old rockin' chair
(It wouldn't take much just to gladden her heart
Just some small re-embrace on somebody's heart)
A letter would brighten her empty heart there rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
I know some youngsters in an orphan's home
Would think they owned heaven if she were their own
They'd never be willing till let her sit there rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
I look at her and I think what a shame
The ones who forgot her she loves just the same
And I think of angels as I see her there rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Recorded by Hank Snow
HER EYES LOOKED AT MINE WITH A COLD VACANT STARE
I'D STILL LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I SAW IN HER THERE
SHE WAS'ANT OUTSTANDING HER FEATURES WERE SMALL
AND PERSONALITY WISE SHE HAD NOTHING AT ALL
BUT TWO PEOPLE THAT NIGHT ME AND GOD ABOVE
KNEW THIS WAS THE WOMAN THAT I'D ALWAYS LOVE
FOR WHO CAN EXPLAIN WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR HEART
THAT CAN CAUSE A WOMAN TO TEAR YOU APART
IN A SWANK POKER CLUB WHERE IT'S LEGAL TO PLAY
AND THE SUCKERS AND BOOZE TURN THE NIGHT INTO DAY
THERE I LED WITH MY HEART WHEN THE BIG CHIPS WERE DOWN
AND I LOST TO THE QUEEN OF DRAW POKER TOWN
I WAS SOON TO FIND OUT WHY THEY GAVE HER THAT NAME
SHE WAS HOOKED ON THE CARDS AND LIVED FOR THE GAME
I THOUGHT SHE MIGHT CHANGE BUT IT'S NOW PLAIN TO SEE
THE DECK HAD BEEN STACKED AND THE JOKER WAS ME
MY BILLS ARE UNPAID AND THE RENT MONEY'S GONE
THE BREAD BOX IS EMPTY AND OUR CLOTHES ARE IN PAWN
AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT YOU'LL FIND ME ALONE
JUST WALKING THE FLOOR UNTIL SHE GETS HOME
DAY AFTER DAY I KEEP TELLIN MYSELF LET HER GO BREAK AWAY
LET THE SUCKERS AND BOOZE TURN THE NIGHT INTO DAY
BUT SPEAKIN OF FOOLS YOU CAN HAND ME THE CROWN
FOR I STILL LOVE THE QUEEN OF DRAW POKER TOWN
NOW HERE IS A WOMAN WHO LIVES WITHOUT SHAME
A SICK MIND A SLAVE TO THE DRAW POKER GAME
DAY AND NIGHT THERE SHE SIT WITH HER COVETED CHIPS
AND THE CIGARETTE SMOKE BILLOWS OUT FROM HER LIPS
A PITIFUL SITE FROM HER HEAD TO HER FEET
I KNOW SHE WOULD RATHER PLAY POKER THAN EAT
BUT I ALSO KNOW WELL BUT I CANT TELL YOU WHY
I'LL LIVE JUST FOR HER UNTIL THE DAY THAT I DIE
THE LANDLORD CAN WAIT I'LL RUN AND I'LL HIDE
WHO CARES IF THE BREAD BOX IS EMPTY INSIDE
I'LL STAY HOME ALONE I'LL GO WITHOUT SHOES
I'VE GOT NOTHING TO GAIN BUT NO MORE TO LOSE
TILL THE DAY SHE PLAYS HER LAST HAND HER LAST CARD IS DRAWN
TILL I'VE SOLD MY LAST SHIRT AND MY LAST BUCK IS GONE
I'LL BE KING OF THE FOOLS AND I'LL NEVER SIT DOWN
FOR I WORSHIP THE QUEEN OF DRAW POKER TOWN
Mother dear come bathe my forehead for I'm growing very weak
Mother let one drop of water fall upon my burning cheek
Tell my loving little playmates that I never more shall play
Give them all my toys but mother put my little shoes away
(Do will do this mother won't you put my little shoes away)
Give them all my toys but mother put my little shoes away
[ vibes ]
Santa Claus he brought them to me with a lot of other things
And I think he brought an angel with a pair of golden wings
Mother soon I'll be an angel by perhaps another day
So you my dearest mother put my little shoes away
Kind friends you have heard the story,
And the song called Twenty One Years,
All of how two lovers parted,
Of their sorrow, pain and tears.
I am another who’s heartbroken,
And I’m in this lonesome jail;
I was the honest ranger,
Tried for fame but soon I failed.
I was a cowboy singer,
And I played the old guitar,
But my mind was set on roaming,
I started out for lands a-far.
Soon fell with bad companions,
And we robbed the Western mail;
Shot and killed some helpless lady,
as i think my face grows pale.
I had a pretty sweet heart,
and she though the world of me,
But we parted at the station,
Down in sunny Tennessee.
Last night from her I got a letter,
Saying, “I can never be your bride;”
As the moon shone though my window,
I bowed my head and cried.
Never more we’ll stroll together;
Down in dear old Lover’s Lane,
I must spend my life in prison,
I pray on high we’ll meet again.
Written by Fred Rose
Recorded by Hank Snow
[G]I know not where on earth to find you
I know not how or when to start
I only know I'm here with[C]out you
I've got [D7]pins and needles in my [G]heart
[G]The days and nights are growing longer
Since first you said that we must part
I only know I can't for[C]get you
With these [D7]pins and needles in my [G]heart
[G]I always see your face before me
Your smile is heaven's work of art
But now you're smiling at an[C]other
And there's [D7]pins and needles in my [G]heart
[G]Sometime somewhere we'll meet again dear
Then love will make the teardrops start
Someday you'll know how long I've [C]waited
With these [D7]pins and needles in my [G]heart
Words & Music by Hank Snow
Old Father Time has seen a million, million hearts
Break with pain down the highway of years.
I never dreamed that the love I thought was true
Would deceive and just leave me these tears.
The little seeds of happiness I grew with tender care
Have withered now that fate has played its part.
And my bud of love has closed, I have lost THE ONLY ROSE
That was blooming in the garden of my heart.
Mister Moon, I wonder, as you gaze from up above
On my broken heart that love has cast away.
If there's just one trace of sadness on my darlings face tonight,
Will she bloom within my heart again some day.
Will the weeds and briars vanish where the tears of sorrow fell,
And let the seeds of romance play its part.
Or must I go on living with just mem'ries of a rose
That once blossomed in the garden of my heart.
He was just an old country doctor in a little Kentucky 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
But old Doc Brown didn't seem to mind he didn't even send out bills
His only ambition was to find seems for sure cures for aches and ills
Wy neerly half the folks in my home town,yes i'm one of them too
Was ushered in by old Doc Brown when we made our first debut
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
So when the depression hit our town and drained each maiger purse
The scanty income of old Doc Brown just went from bad to worse
He had to sell all his furniture why he couldn't pay his office rent
So to a dusty room over a livery stable Doc Brown and his satchel went
On the hitchin' post at the curb below to advertise his wares
He nailed a little sign that read Doc Brown has moved upstairs
There he kept on helping folk get well his heart was just pure gold
But any one with eyes could see that Doc was getting old
And then 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
It looked like the potters field Doc that caused us some alarm
So someone remembered the grave yard out on the Simons farm
Old Doc had brought six of their children, Simons was a greatful cuss
He said Doc's been like one of the family so you can let him sleep with us
Old Doc should had a funeral fine enough for 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
And we breath a prayer as we laid him there to rest beneath the sod
This man who earned the right to be on speaking turm with God
His graved was covered with flowers but not from the floral shops
Just roses and things from folk garden and one or two dandelion tops
For the depression hit our town hard and each man carried a load
So some just picked the wild flowers as they passed along the road
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
But monuments cast money so we did the best we could
On his grave we placed a monument of wood
We pulled up that old hitchin' post where Doc had nailed a sign
We 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' faint
Still when southern breezes and twinkling stars caress our sleeping town
And the pale moon shines through Kentucky pines on the grave of old Doc Brown
You can still see that old hitchin' post as if in answer to our prayers
Written by R. Redd and M. Torok
Recorded by Hank Snow
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
When she goes a-strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a-walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
Hey' what is she doin' and who is she wooin'
That's what we'd all like to know
Buyin' papyias while all of our eyes are on her
From her head to toe
And who is she winin' and who is she dinin'
Down in her shack by the sea
Nobody knows it and she never shows it
She's spreadin' her table for me
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
When she goes a-strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a-walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
Who is she seein', how cruel she is bein'
About our secret affair
No one suspects me, she even protects me
From men knowin' I'm goin' there
I schetch the features while she sweetly teaches me
How to pour rum over ice
She tries to hide it and I don't confide it
But my love, the lady is mine
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
When she goes a-strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a-walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
Of the mysterious lady from St. Martinique
There's a place I'll always cherish, 'neath the blue Atlantic sky
Where the shores down in Cape Breton bid the golden sun to rise
And the fragrance of the apple blossoms sprays the dew-kissed lawns
Back in dear old Nova Scotia, a place where I was born
The Scotian and the Ocean Limited, and the Maritime Express
Their mighty engines throbbing, make their way towards the west
And the sturdy fishin' schooners, sways so laz'ly to and fro'
Nova Scotia is my sanctuary, and I love her so
For across the great Dominion, I have traveled far and wide
Where the shores out in Vancouver, kiss the blue Pacific tide
I have crossed the snow-capped Rockies, saw the wheat fields' golden blaze
Headed back to Nova Scotia, where contented cattle graze
Where the pretty robin red breast, seeks its' loved ones in the trees
And the French di'lect in old Quebec, keeps callin' out to me
It seems to say, be on your way, there's a welcome at the door
Where the kinfolks are a-waiting on that gay Atlantic shore
Down through beautiful New Brunswick and across the P.E.I.
To the rock-bound coasts of Newfoundland, I'll love them till I die
But if God came here on Earth with us and asked if he could rest
I'd take him to my Nova Scotia home, the place that I love best
Written by B. Peterson and B. Bergantine
Recorded by Hank Snow
Evening shadows make me blue
When each weary day is through
How I long to be with you, my happiness
Every day I reminisce
Dreaming of your tender kiss
Always thinking how I miss my happiness
A million years it seems
Have gone by since we shared our dreams
But I‚ll hold you again
There‚ll be no blue memories then
Whether skies are gray or blue
Any place on earth will do
Just as long as I‚m with you, my happiness
Whether skies are gray or blue
Any place on earth will do
Just as long as I‚m with you, my happiness
Written by Clarke VanNess
Recorded by Hank Snow
Mother I'm leaving and I'm proud to go please don't be grieving I love you so
Here in this pocket over my heart is the Bible you gave me your gift as we part
My country needs me you know that's true pray for me mother till this war is through
God will protect me you must be brave mother I thank you for the Bible you gave
Mother I'm writing this letter to say I love my Bible I read it each day
And when I read it my body's drawn near the blessed scripture they love to hear
Mids all this turmoil of earthly things what peace and comfort the Holy word brings
Mother don't worry I will be saved mother I thank you for the Bible you gave
Mother when battle just has been won you'll have a hero now for a son
I have been wounded left there for that God in his mercy spared me instead
My Bible saved me it played its part it's stopped the bullet aimed at my heart
Your blessed present my life has saved mother I thank you for the Bible you gave
Recorded by Hank Snow
Moanin' my life slowly away
Sittin' here waitin' for the new commin' day
They try to cheer me as I trudge on my way
Moanin' for you
Can't seem to hide it and why should I try
Good Lord, he knows it up there in the sky
A million heartaches with your last goodbye
Left me moanin' for you
Work these poor fingers way down to the bone
When things seemed right my whole world went wrong
Then I found your letter, baby, sayin' so long
I've been moanin' for you
They find me alone at the close of the day
Countin' each petal from your rose bouquet
Guess I'll be here till eternity
Moanin' for you
This ole rockin' chair, I have rocked it apart
The last spark of flame in my fireplace is dark
But this old flame that's burnin' deep down in my heart
Keeps me moanin' for you
Work these poor fingers way down to the bone
When things seemed right my whole world went wrong
Then I found your letter, baby, sayin' so long
I've been moanin' for you
Oh you Mississippi River, with waters so deep and wide
My thoughts of you keep risin', just like an evening tide
I'm just like a seagull that's left the sea
Oh your muddy waters keep on callin'me
I'm gonna pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging 'round again some day
'Cause I know that's the only way to lose
The Mississippi river blues
I've often ridden on your bosom
From Memphis down to New Orleans
Floating over muddy waters, drifting through familiar scenes
And when I hear that whistle of an old steamboat
Down that Mississippi river again I'm a-going to float
I'm gonna pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging 'round again some day
'Cause I know that's the only way to lose
That mean old Mississippi river blues
(Dave Burgess)
Love is so elusive but it's worth the effort
Once you find the key
Awakening to feel a touch and taste the sweetness
Won't come easily.
So hold it gently in your hand
Or it might slip away into the night
Yes, love is so elusive that it won't return
Once it's out of sight.
Love is like a soft caress a fevered kiss
A flame that burns your mind
A whispered promise telling you that you'll be
Leaving loneliness behind.
A brief look at tomorrow like a dream
Or perhaps an answered prayer
Though love is so elusive there's not doubt
About it once it's really there.
So just reach out and touch it
Watch it grow from just a tiny little seed
Yes, love is so elusive but it's everything
In your life you really need.
--- Instrumental Steel ---
Love is like a little bird that seems
To feel the urge to fly away
Searching for the arms to hold it tenderly
And make it want to stay.
Love is like the petals from a rose
Just a fragile work of art
Yes, love is so elusive but it's most content
When nearest to your heart.
So just reach out and touch it
Watch it grow from just a tiny little seed
Yes, love is so elusive but it's everything
In your life you really need.
Yes, love is so elusive but it's everything
In life you really need...
I was ridin' Number Nine
Headin' south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble had to roam
Left my gal and left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid actin' smart
I went and broke my darlin'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 and cry
When the ev'ning train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell
'Til my body's just a shell
And my hair turns whiter than the snow
I'll never see that gal of mine
Lord, I'm in Georgia, doin' time
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
(Hank Snow)
I don't know much on religion and I ain't never had no show
But I got a middlin' tight grip sir on the handful of things that I know
I don't pan out on the prophets good will and that sort of thing
But I believe in God and the angels ever since one night last spring.
I come into town with some turnips and my little Gabe came along
No four year old in this country could beat him for purty and strong
Pert and chipper and sassy and always ready to swear and fight
And I learned him to chaw tobaccy just to keep his teeth milk white.
The snow came down like a blanket as I passed by Taget's store
I went in for a jug of molasses and I left the team at the door
But they scared at somethin' and started and I heard one little squeal
And lickety split over the prairie went team Little Britches and all.
Yes lickety split over the prairie I was almost froze with skeer
But we rousted up some torches and we searched from far and near
At last we struck hosses and wagon snowed under a soft white mound
Upsot dead beat but of little Gabe no hide nor hair could be found.
And here all hope soured on me of findin' my little Gabe
So I just flopped down on my marrow bones
And crotched deep in the snow and prayed
By this time the torches was played out and me and Israel Par
Went off with some wood to a sheep fold that he said was somewhere thar.
We found it at last in a little shed where they shut up the lambs at night
We looked in and seen them huddled there so warm and sleepy and white
And there sot Little Britches and chirped as pert as ever you see
I wants a chaw of tobaccy and that's what's the matter of me.
How did he get there angels he could never have walked in that storm
They just scooped down and toted him to where it was safe and warm
And I think that savin a little child and fodging him to his own
Is a dern sight better business than loafin' around the throne...
Witten and Recorded by Hank Snow
(A) Linda Lou, honest true,
I’m just wild about your lovely eyes of (E7) blue,
For your smile, I’d walk miles,
For my honey child I’m glad to be with (A) you,
(A) As long as you are by my side I (D) have no cause to pine,
I (B7) point you out with so much pride,
And (E7) tell the world you're mine,
Linda (A) Lou , honest true,
I’m in (B7) love with you a-(E7) lone sweet Linda (A) Lou.
(A) I’ve waited a (D) long time for you (A) darlin',
But (E7) never knew exactly what you’d (A) be,
Now that you have (D) come to me my (A) darlin',
You ‘re a (B7) wee bit of heaven to (E7) me;
Linda (A) Lou, honest true,
You’re the first in every thought I have to-(E7) day,
You’re so sweet, and so neat ,
That I thank the LORD for sending you my (A)way,
Some day you’ll know the way I feel deep (D) down within your heart ,
To (B7) be with you when shadows steal and (E7) know we’ll never part ,
Linda (A) Lou , honest true,
I’m in (B7) love with you a- (E7) lone sweet Linda (A) Lou.
(Jack Rollins - Hank Snow)
We sat a table in Lindy's and I ordered up dinners for two
My guest was a grimy intruder who had ask me to buy him a stew
But some how I pitied the beggar so shabbly dressed and so old
And I ask him the cause of his trouble and this is the story he told.
I know what it means to be happy I once had a wife and some dough
We did a trapeze act together and we circled the globe with a show
But long years of dangerous acting had tired us of roaming around
And this was to be our last season we'd pack in and stay on the ground.
We'd pick out a home in the country and one or two kids would be swell
She lived for no one but her Larry and I lived for no one but Nell
We counted the days till the blow off and the final act now was at hand
We sat in our dressing room waiting and we listened they struck up the band.
We looked at each other in silence the last time for us to go on
We trotted out under the big top and she carried herself like a swan
I thought as she swung into action so graceful and spry as an elf
If God made a soul any sweeter he kept her up there for himself.
Now thousands of people applauded the regular routine was through
The singles and doubles were perfect now we just had the climax to do
I still can't account for the crackup but God I can picture it yet
She made a bum leave on the triple and I missed her and she missed the net.
With Nell gone and nothin' to live for I let myself go to the bad
I've haggled in barrooms and hey joints and they took me for all that I had
At night I lay drunk in some hallway and dream about high bars and Nell
I see her white form coming at me I miss her and let out a yell.
With that the poor devil quit talking he shuddered and lowered his head
I shook him but he didn't answer I summon for help he was dead
I looked at my watch I must hurry I'd almost forgotten my date
Right now I was due at the playhouse and opening night at eight.
Right now I was due at the playhouse and opening night there at eight
So I paid for his meal and departed I smiled for I knew very well
While I was first nighting on Broadway he too was first nighting with Nell...
Father time & mother love,
Sit in their house some where up above
And make us do what they want us to do
And they made me wanting you.
Father time with his memory's of you
AND mother love with her heart beat so true
Have brought us back alltough we were through
And made me know that I love only you.
Father time has dimed my eyes,
With tears mother love placed inside
when I had missed you all that I could
They gave me you back to love as I should.
Father time & Mother love,
Sit in their house somewhere up above
And like puppets and mortals do love
They guide our hearts where they want them to go.Father time and Mother
love will always
be in their house up above,& Father time forever will see,Mother love
(John Riggs)
Up until now you've been satisfied
With the love that I gave to you
Now the goin' gets rough you've had enough
And all you can say is we're through.
It's been smooth sailing up until now
We've kept true love in the flow
Let me say it again our ship's comin' in
So don't rock the boat.
Don't rock the boat let it keep sailing
A few stormy seas a little cool breeze
That don't mean our love's failing
I promise you your dreams'll come true
Don't you be givin' up hope
Let the kisses begin, our ship's a comin' in
So don't rock the boat.
--- Instrumental Guitar - Fiddle ---
The sun'll be shinin' when the stormin' is over
And we'll go on like before
We'll anchor our love beneath the clouds above baby
I need you even more.
You've got a good captain with his hands on the wheel
Who couldn't sail on if you go
Let me say it again our ship's a comin' in
So don't rock the boat.
Don't rock the boat let it keep sailing
A few stormy seas a little cool breeze
That don't mean our love's failing
I promise you your dreams'll come true
Don't you be givin' up hope
Let the kisses begin, our ship's a comin' in
So don't rock the boat.
Let the kisses begin, our ship's a comin' in
So don't rock the boat...
(Webb Pierce)
There are so many classy guys with classy uptown ways
And I am so afraid that they will steal you someday
But don't let 'em darlin' cause you belong to me
So don't ever let them make you think your love is fancy free
Don't do it darlin' that heart belongs to me.
They'll tell you that I trifle and that you should do the same
They'll tell you that they need your love so why not make the change
Don't do it darlin' that love belongs to me
Oh please don't let them blind you I still love you can't you see
Don't let 'em darlin' that heart belongs to me.
--- Harp - Guitar - Fiddle Instrumental ---
They'll offer you a mansion ask you if you will be their queen
So they can give you riches make your life a happy dream
But don't you let 'em darlin' that dream belongs to me
Oh sure they'll try to buy your love with riches such as these
But let 'em darlin' that heart belongs to me.
No, don't do it darlin' that heart belongs to me...
Cross the Brazos at Waco ride hard and I'll make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco I'm safe when I reach San Antone
On the Chisholm Trail it was midnight Carmela was strong on his mind
Because of the life he have chosen Carmela had left him behind
Too long he'd been el bandito Carmela had left him alone
But today someone brought a message she'd been seen in old San Antone
Cross the Brazos at Waco...
[ guitar ]
Then the night came alight with gunfire he knew that at last he'd been found
As the ranger's bad shoot rightly el bandito laid on the ground
Carmela she knew he was dying that all of her dreams were in vain
As she kissed his lips for the last time she heard him whisper again
I never saw the world lookin' so bright
Never saw the wheels turnin' so right
And I'm glad to be ridin'
This crazy little train of love
I'm just like a kid on a merry-go-round
I'm so high in the clouds, I hope I never come down
And I'm glad that I'm ridin'
This crazy little train of love
(Chorus)
Our train don't carry the blues
No room for hurtin' or any bad news
Our train is just loaded with love
Just you and I, and that's enough
It just keeps a-chuggin' on down the track
We're so in love, we don't want to look back
Aren't you glad that we're ridin'
This crazy little train of love
I see our destination just over the hill
Cozy little place that they call Arborsville
Aren't you glad to be ridin'
This crazy little train of love
The wheels sing the song as they roll down the track
They seem to say I love you with each clickety-clack
Aren't you glad that we're ridin'
This crazy little train of love
(Repeat chorus)
It just keeps a-chuggin' on down the track
We're so in love, we don't want to look back
Aren't you glad that we're ridin'
This crazy little train of love
(Dick Feller)
I sit upon the bed in my rented room and watch
The broken shadows from the street lights playing tag upon the wall
Down the street a neon light is reaching out to mock the night
And all the little fears that darkness brings.
The smoke of my last cigarette still hangs upon the air and yet
I reach to light another from the pack that's nearly gone
And the dawn seems a million miles away but all the while
Down in the trainyard the graveyard shift had just come on
And turned their ragged collars against the drizzling rain
Back and forth the yard engine goes about the pulling out
The railroad cars that soon will be making up the train
That's gonna be come the morning.
I wonder if I ever cross the mind of someone
That I might have learned to love
Had I ever chose to try
Or did she fail to think about me in the lonely nights without me
Was she the last to care if I should live or die.
I've been a nameless ghost that rides the empty wave of memory
In the dark deserted closets of the mind of someone else
And now I'm a ghost unto myself but still I know.
And now I cross the room and stand before the open window
And reach out to touch the rain that's slowly falling on my hand
The pavement hot and cold below looks back at me and seems to know
It ends without a tear without a smile.
And in those last brief seconds could it be I was mistaken
Or did I hear a voice somewhere that softly called my name
Or was it just a whistle of a train for all the while
Down in the trainyard the graveyard shift had just gone home
To hang their clothes to dry them bar their doors against the rain
The yard engine breathe a sigh Then pulls a last grey coal car by
Then moves aside to look with pride Upon the new born train
That I won't take come the morning.
I wonder if I ever cross the mind of someone
that I might have learned to love
Had I ever chose to try
Or did she fail to think about me in the lonely nights without me
Was she the last to care if I should live or die...
A long time ago
In a town in Tennessee
There lived a man
And he was great as he could be
By the sweat of his brow
He earned fortune and fame
Casey Jones was his name
(Chorus)
Clickety-clack, clickety-clack
Over the rails he'd go
Clickety-clack, clickety-clack
Braving rain and snow
Ev'ryone knew three-eighty-two was his train
Casey Jones was his name
From Memphis, Tennessee
On that Cannonball Express
By the wining of the whistle
You could tell him from the rest
Past the old plantations
With their cotton and cane
Casey Jones was his name
(Repeat chorus)
Runnin' late thru Sardis
Past Winona on the fly
Like lightnin' chasin' thunder
Thru the stairways of the sky
When we heard his engine moanin'
And the story is claimed
Casey Jones was his name
Then on that fatal night
He made his final run
Near Vaughan, Mississippi
He knew his time had come
Too late he saw the (?)
Of an old freight train
Now a legend, Casey Jones was his name
(Repeat chorus)
Recorded by Hank Snow
(D) I rode your ocean liner to New (EM) foundland,
Where I (BM) made a living in an iron (A) mine.
When I (G) got my fill I went to Nova (A) Scotia,
And I (E) fished the salty waters for a (A) time.
Passing (D) through Prince Edward Island and New Bruns (EM) wick,
I could (BM) see the rocks and cliffs of solid (A) stone.
Listening to the seagulls calling to each (A) other
Made me miss my darling and my distant (D) home.
(D) Canadian Pac (EM) ific, (A) carry me 3,000 (D) miles,
Through the valleys and the (G) forests,
(A) To the sunshine of her (D) smile,
'Cross the plains and the rugged (EM) mountains,
(A) Keep this wandering boy from (D) harm.
Canadian (G) Pacific, (A) take me to my baby's (D) arms.
(D) The Atlantic disappeared on the (EM) horizon,
And (BM) Quebec lay waiting for me down the (A) track.
For a (G) while I drove a truck to keep from star-(A)-ving.
In (E) Ontario I was a lumber-(A)-jack.
Man-(D)-itoba and Saskatchewan (EM) then followed,
Where the (BM) wheat fields and the old Red River (A) flowed.
In the (G) quiet hours your whistling on the (A) praire,
Touched my heart and set my memories (D) aglow.
(D) I could feel the nearness of her warm, sweet (EM) kisses,
When you (BM) rolled into Alberta westward (A) bound.
I worked (G) on an oil rig to make some (A) money,
For a (E) ticket to the sweetest girl (A) around.
(D) Pushing on past Lake Louise in all it's (EM) splendor,
Where the (BM) trees and Rockies touch the sky (A) above,
I got (G) to British Columbia and (A) heaven,
On your track I made it back to my true (D) love.
Canadian Pacific, carry me 3,000 miles,
Through the valleys and the forests,
To the sunshine of her smile.
'Cross the plains and the rugged mountains,
Keep this wandering boy from harm.
Canadian Pacific, take me to my baby's arms.
Recorded by Hank Snow
A cowboy with his sweetheart stood beneath a starlit sky
Tomorrow he was leaving for the lonesome prairie wide
She said "I'll be your lovingbride when you return someday"
He handed her a broken ring and to her he did say
"You'll find upon that ring sweetheart my name engraved in gold
And I shall keep the other half which bears your name you know."
He went away to ride and toil this cowboy brave and bold
But long he stayed and while he strayed the maiden's love grew cold.
Three years had passed, he did not some, and Nell will wed tonight
Her father said an Earl would make her happy home so bright
The lights were gaily glowing as they stood there side by side
"Let's drink a toast to this young man and to his lovely bride."
Just then there stood within the door a figure tall and slim
A handsome cowboy was their guest and slowly he walked in
"I'll drink with you a toast." said he, and quickly in her glass
He dropped his half of wedding ring, then anxiously he watched.
She tipped her glass and from her lips a ring fell shining bright
The token she had longed to see lay there beneath the light
"Though years have been between us dear, love won our last long fight,
It's you my cowboy sweetheart and my Jack I'll wed tonight."
(Vic McAlpin - Martin David)
This is our last night together you just gave me my walkin' shoes
This is our last night together you just gave me my walkin' shoes
Well, dinner with you for the last time tomorrow
Breakfast with the blues.
You're tellin' me the party's over you're sayin' our break-up's overdue
You're tellin' me the party's over you're sayin' our break-up's overdue
Dinner with baby for the last time tomorrow
Breakfast with the blues.
--- Instrumental Guitar - Piano ---
Well, a little voice in me keeps sayin' it's time ole Hank he paid his due
Well, a little voice in me keeps sayin' it's time ole Hank he paid his due
I'll hold her tight tonight for the last time tomorrow
Breakfast with the blues.
I read it in the book by someone for every winner ten must lose, Lord, Lord
I read it in the book by someone for every winner ten must lose
Tonight I know I'll go down swingin' tomorrow
Breakfast with the blues.
--- Instrumental Dobro - Guitar to fade ---
The orchid is a flower that blooms so tenderly
To thrill the fairest lady of the land
If placed beside a blushing rose the rose cannot compare
But how was such as I to understand
I overlooked an orchid while searching for a rose
The orchid that I overlooked was you
The rose that I was searching for has proved to be untrue
The orchid now I find my dear was you
[ steel ]
The rose has lost its color but the orchid is the same
And I'm alone to face these lonely years
I didn't see the orchid I was looking for a rose
And now I pay the price with bitter tears
Cause I overlooked an orchid while searching for a rose
The orchid that I overlooked was you
The rose that I was searching for has proved to be untrue
Dreaming of you and your eyes of blue
I've loved you forever it seems
I had longed for you dear wanted you near
You are the girl of my dreams
Although I have met you just now
I'd tell you of my love somehow
If I could but win your heart little girl
Then I would have treasure untold
The kisses you gave me in life's sweetest dreams
Are even more precious than gold
I love your sweet face and your dear smiling eyes
How often that story's been told
If I could but win your heart little girl
Then I would have treasure untold
Down where the trade winds play down where they lose the day
We found a new world where paradise starts
We traded high the night that I sailed away
Flowers were in her hair music was everywhere
Under an awning of silvery boughs
We traded vows the night that I sailed away
Trade winds what are vows that lovers make
Trade winds are they only made to break
When it is May again I'll sail away again
Though I'm returning it won't be the same
She traded her name way down where the trade winds play
[ steel - guitar ]
Trade winds what are vows...
Written by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens
Recorded by Hank Snow
Today I started loving you again and I'm right back where I've really always been
I got over you just long enough to let my heartaches mend
Then today I started loving you again
What a fool I was to think I could get by with only these few million tears I've cried
And I should have known the worst was yet to come
And that crying time for me had just begun
Cause today I started...
Yes today I started...
Yes today I started loving you again
Written by Harry Owens
Recorded by Hank Snow
To you sweetheart Aloha Aloha from the bottom of my heart
Keep that smile on your lips brush the tears from your eyes
One more Aloha then it's time for goodbye
To you sweetheart Aloha in dreams I'll be with you dear tonight
And I'll pray for that day when we two will meet again until then sweetheart Aloha
(Aloha from the bottom of my heart)
(One more Aloha then it's time for goodbye)
To you sweetheart Aloha...
[ instrumental ]
Words & Music by Hank and Blanche Snow
I was singin' the blues and now I'm shoutin' hooray,
'cause I met a pretty mama and I met her today.
Well, her eyes started cheatin', my heart started beatin' aloud,
like the rhythmatic motors of the Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
Now, the Flying Cloud is a luxury liner,
it flies from San Diego down to Carolina,
then she boogies to Georgia and back to old Alabam.
No use denyin' makin' love when you're flyin' is grand.
She's a silber comet, ev'ry engine in tune;
she boogied us out 'neath the silvery moon.
The stars started blinkin' when my baby started thinkin' aloud.
And told me that she loved me on Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
Well, I hugged my baby and we started to kiss;
the Flying Cloud's motors all started to miss.
She jumped in to jive as the crew started singin' a song.
And we headed for Dixie while the Flying Cloud boogied along.
When I told my baby a fortune I'd give 'er,
the big plane trembled and she started to quiver.
She headed for the sky then she swung and came on back down,
but we kept a lovin' as the Flying Cloud boogied around.
Wasn't takin' no chances 'cause I got a bit scary;
thought I'd wait till we landed then I'd ask her to marry,
but changed my mind as we boogied out over the line,
and I popped the question as the big Cloud boogied on time,
Well, she started to truck and then she jumped to hep;
she looped the loop but never lost a step.
When she started descendin' for a boogie woogie landin' I vowed
I'm preparin' my weddin' on the Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
When the big propellers they came to a stop,
my old heart inside me went flippity flop.
I took my baby and wandered out through the crowd
When we landed in Dixie on the Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud
Woke up this morning,
Bluer than blue,
This old heart breaking for someone I knew,
Colleen, dear ‘tis you.
Why did you leave me?
What made you roam?
Is your heart lonely, won’t you come home?
I need you, my own.
Grab that old train, dear,
Make up your mind,
Then, babe, you’ll help me find a real peace of mind,
I’m crying for you.
I dreamed last night, dear,
That you were home;
Woke up this morning, and I was alone,
So blue, so blue.
Letters of pleading,
I sent to you,
Left me here waiting, so weary and blue.
Longing for you.
When you’ve decided
No more to roam,
You’ll find me waiting here all alone
Something about you, mama
That sure gives me the blues
Something about you mama
That sure gives me the blues
It ain't your drop stitch stockings
It ain't your blue buckled shoes
You know, purdy mama
I'm bound to love you some
You know, purdy mama
I'm bound to love you some
'Cause I've done more for you
Than anybody ever done
You know it, baby...
Got me a purdy mama
Got me a bulldog, too,
Got me a purdy mama
Got me a bulldog, too
My purdy mama don't love me
But my bulldog do
There's been a groundhog rootin'
Around my yard at night
There's been a groundhog rootin'
Around my yard at night
From the way my mama been treatin' me
He must be rootin' alright
Lord have mercy...
Well, I ain't no cheatin' man
Don't try to fool no girls
I ain't no cheatin' man
Don't try to fool no girls
It's my regular lovin'
That gets me by in this world
In the Blue Canadian Rockies spring is sighing through the trees
And the golden pupies are blooming round the banks of Lake Luise
Across the sea they call me and I'm lonesome and so blue
For the Blue Canadian Rockies and the girl I love so true
(Hank Snow)
Dear Mother, said a poor blind boy
That little bird sings very long
And do you see him in his joy
And is he pretty as his song?
The mother looked and replied
I see that bird on yonder tree
The poor boy smiled and softly said
Mother I wish that I could see.
Yet, I the fragrant flowers can smell
And I can feel the green leaves shade
And I can hear the notes that swell
From those dear birds that God has made.
So mother God to me is kind
Though sightless he has not given
But tell me is there any blind
Among the children up in heaven.
Blind, oh no, my friend I am not blind
My eyes may be closed but I don't mind
For I see things far beyond your sight
'Cause God gave me a sense to guide me alright.
You don't understand
How happy I can be
Friend life's not made up alone
Of what our eyes can see.
Why you can see mountains
And rivers and trees
And you can find beauty in the flowers
And the birds and the bees.
Why I find a beauty
That you'll never know
The kind that comes from way inside
The kind that comforts so.
I've learned to think of everything
As beautiful and bright
'Cause God gave me that inner sense
To take the place of light.
Oh nom my darlin', they all see
But why ask me, but why ask me you think so odd
Why mother, God's so good to me
I thought I'd like to look at God.
Will be so nice when I can see
But mother when you get up there
Please tell me, mother, that it's you
Because I've never saw you here,
He said no more but fondly smiled
Until the finale blow was given
And God took up that poor blind boy
And opened first his eyes in heaven...
Recorded by Hank Snow
I gave my dog to Uncle Sam in 1943,
He sailed across the sea, and died for Liberty,
Now that you are sending Hero's home, I just can't understand,
Why don't you send my dog home Uncle Sam?
And 'though no more he'll lead me as he did in days of yore,
He'll never be a blind boy's pal no more,
But I know that he gets lonesome sleeping in some distant land,
Please won't you send my dog home Uncle Sam?
I gave my dog to Uncle Sam, he was so strong and smart,
We knew right from the start that we should do our part,
They wrote he died a hero, t'was in the telegram,
Please won't you send my dog home Uncle Sam.
He'll sleep beneath Old Glory, right here on Daddy's farm,
I'll be close by to keep him from all harm,
No one knows how much' miss him & how lonesome now I am,
Please won't you send my dog home Uncle Sam?
They heard the breeze in the trees making weird melodies
And they made that the start of the blues
And from a jail came the wail of a down-hearted frail
And they played that as part of the blues
From a whippoorwill high on a hill they took a new note
Pushed it through a horn till it was worn into a blue note
And then they nursed it and rehearsed it and gave out with the news
That the southland gave birth of the blues
I loved and laughed and had my fun
And went on to someone new
And now at last the game is done
And the bill is falling due
I took your love you gave me all
I gave nothing back to you
And now I find that I must pay
And the bill is falling due
I think I know how much I owe
Maybe more than I can pay
But the debt is mine no use to whine
For there is no other way
The dawn will soon be breaking now
And the party is all through
For all the damage I must pay
And the bill is falling due
Instrumental break
I think I know how much I owe
Maybe more than I can pay
But the debt is mine no use to whine
For there is no other way
The dawn will soon be breaking now
And the party is all through
For all the damage I must pay
And the bill is falling due
Recorded by Hank Snow
Now friends if you will listen to me for just one minute please
I'll sing for you a little song from letters A to Z
And if per-chance that they don't rhyme don't lay the blame on me
Because it took me fourteen weeks to get from A to B
A is for the airforce boys with hearts so brave and true
B is for the battle and we’re bound to win it through
C is for our country we’re sure she’ll always stand
D is for the duties that we pledge unto our land.
E that stands for England a nation brave and strong
F is for Fuhrer whose time now won’t be long
G that stands for Goering who’ll also meet his fate
H is for the heat that waits them in that fiery place.
I is for the iron and the steel that we can sling
J is for the justice boys that it will surely bring
K is for the kahki suits our soldier lads must wear
L that stands for lovers who wait their sweethearts over there.
M is for the many things that we must do without
N is for the navy boys that guard the deep blue route
O is for the officers that stand first in command
P is for the precious lads that form the army band.
Q is for the questioning that waits for every Hun
R is for the roundup time when its too late to run
S if for satisfaction we are sure to share
T is for the time when we will fly right over there.
U is for the Union Jack we’re sure she’ll never fall
V of course for Victory ahead for one and all
W stands for wayward boys who’ll soon be homeward bound
X’s stand for kisses that we will pass around.
Y is for them yellow brats, the laugh will be on them
Z is for the Zeigfreid Line that we won’t need again
Of all the letters in this song the one that beats them all
Is V for Victory the letter that won’t let the old flag fall.
Written by Bill D. Johnson
Recorded by Hank Snow
Have you found since you turned me down the one who you were searching for
Are you glad that you made me sad for you know I vowed to love you ever more
What did you have in mind when you broke this heart of mine
Are you laughing in my face
Darling what can I do when you say we are through
You've left the wound time can't erase
Tell me dear are you satisfied to be foot loose and fancy free
Is it power you want for the things that you have done
What you've gained I guess I'll never see
(What did you have in mind...
You've left the wound time can't erase
Written by Merle Haggard
(Willie)
We left out of Tucson
With no destination in mind
We were running' from trouble
And the jail term the judge had in mind
And the border meant freedom
A new life and romance
And that's why we though we should go
To start our lifes over
On the seashores of Old Mexico
(Willie)
Our first night in Juarez
We lost all the money we had
One bad señorita
Made use of two innocent lads
But we must keep on runnin'
It's too late to turn back
And we're wanted in Tucson, we know
Things will blow over
On the seashores of Old Mexico
(Merle)
Two Mexican farmers
Enroute to a town I can't say
Let us ride on the back
Of a flatbed loaded with hay
Down through Durango
Colima, [Armeria (?)}
Then into Manzanillo
Where we slept in the sunshine
On the seashores of Old Mexico
(Merle)
After one long siesta
We came wide awake in the night
And we were startled by someone
Who shadowed the pale moonlight
Our new-found companion
One young señorita
Who offered a broken hello
To the gringos she found
On the seashores of Old Mexico
(Merle)
She spoke of Sonora
And swore that she'd never return
For her Mexican husband
She really had no great concern
(Willie)
She loved the gringo
My red hair and lingo
And that's all that I needed to know
And we found what we needed
On the seashores of Old Mexico
Written by Guy Massey
Recorded by Hank Snow
Oh I wish I had someone to love me yes someone to call me their own
Oh I wish I had someone to live with cause I'm tired of living all alone
Please meet me tonight in the moonlight please meet me tonight all alone
For I had a sad story to tell you it's a story that's never been told
(I'll be carried to the new jail tomorrow leaving my poor darling all alone)
With the cold prison bars all around me and my head on a pillow of stone
Now I have a grand ship out on the ocean all mounted with silver and gold
And before my poor darling would suffer that ship would be anchored and sold
Now if I had the wings of an angel over these prison walls I would fly
And I'd fly to the arms of my poor darling and there I'd be willing to die
I was totin' my pack along a dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
'If you're going to Winnemucca, Mac 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, [break] 'Listen, Bud I've traveled every road in this here
land.'
(Chorus)
I've been everywhere, man, I've been everywhere, man
'Cross the deserts bare, man, I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I've had my share, man, I've been everywhere.
I 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. (to chorus)
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston,
Texarkana,
Monterey, Ferraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little
Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devil Lake,
Crater Lake, for Pete's sake; (to Chorus)
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika, Shefferville, Jacksonville,
Waterville, Costa Rica,
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac,
Fond Du Lac, Davenport,
Idaho, Jellicoe, Pickle Cros, Argentina, Diamontina, Pasadena, Catalina,
see what I mean, (to next verse)
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg, Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg,
Vicksburg, Eldorado,
Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, Chattanika, Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska,
Opelika,
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge
City, what a pity;
(Chorus)
Pardon me boy is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo
Track twenty nine boy you can give me a shine
I can't afford to board the Chattanooga Choo Choo
I've got my fare and just a trifle to spare
(You leave the Pennsylvania Station bout a quarter to four
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Dinner in the diner nothin' could be finer than to have your ham and eggs in Carolina)
When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
Shovel all the coal in gotta keep a rollin' ooh ohh Chattanooga there you are
There's gonna be a certain party in the station
Satin and lace I used to call funny face
She's gonna cry until I tell her that I'll never roam
So Chattanooga Choo Choo won't you choo choo me home
Don't sing Aloha when I go because I'm coming back you know
Don't sing Aloha though I cry our parting just not means goodbye
I'll dream of you in Waikiki that's where I always long to be
Just smile and say you'll miss me so don't sing Aloha when I go
[ steel ]
Don't sing Aloha when I go...
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 years
My heart cries out behind these prison bars
It pleats 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
[ steel - guitar ]
My heart cries out...
Oh the wayward wind is a restless wind a restless wind that yearns to wonder
And I was born the next of kin the next of kin to the wayward wind
In a lonely shack by a railroad track I spent my younger days
And I guess the sound of the outward bound made me a slave to my wandering ways
Oh the wayward wind...
Oh I met a girl in a border town I vowed we'd never part
Though I tried my best to settle down I'm now alone with a broken heart
Oh the wayward wind...
The wayward wind the wayward wind the wayward wind
UNCHAINED MELODY
Oh my love,my darling
I've hungered for your touch,a long lonely time
And time,goes by,so slowly
And time,can do,so much,are you still mine
I need your love,I need your love
God speed your love,to me.
Lonely river flows to the sea,to the sea
To the open arms of the sea,ya-a-a-a-a-a
Lonely river sighs,wait for me,wait for me
I'll be coming home,wait for me.
( REPEAT TOP VERSE )
Written by Kane-Robertson
Recorded by Hank Snow
(G) Unfaithful (G7) Unfaithful, the (C) whole town (G) knows
You're breaking my heart (D7) secretly
(G) Unfaithful (G7) Unfaithful your (C) cheatin' (G) shows
You care for me (D) so careless (G)-ly
You (C) take any chance for a (G) new romance
They (A7) whisper where ever you (D) go
(G) Unfaithful (G7) Unfaithful your (C) lies go (G) on
While I go on (D) loving you (G) so
[ instrumental ]
They gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia
Sayin' Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38 but it's old 97
You must put her into Spencer on time
Then he looked around and said to his black greasy fireman
Shovel on a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak Mountain
You can watch old 97 roll
[ fiddle ]
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
So you see what a jump we made
[ guitar ]
He was goin' down the grade makin' ninety miles an hour
When his whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
And a scalded to death by the steam
[ fiddle ]
Now ladies you must take a warning from this time on and learn
Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband
He may leave you and never return
Written by Anne Young
Recorded by Hank Snow
Last night I dreamed a sweet sweet dream I thought I saw my home sweet home
And oh how grand it all did seem I made a vow no more to roam
By that dear old village church I strolled while the bell in the steeple sadly called
I saw my daddy old and grey I heard my dear old mother say
You're as welcome as the flowers in May and we love you in the same old way
We've been waiting for you day by day you're as welcome as the flowers in May
We've been waiting for you day by day you're as welcome as the flowers in May
Words & Music by Hank Snow & Eddie Nesbitt
You Pass Me By, and you don't even stop to say "hello".
Don't know why I've learned to love you so.
Each night it seems I hear you say your love will never die,
I wake from dreams, You Pass Me By.
When you are lonely, some day you'll learn
Just what it means to live in dreams of love that's unreturned.
A love so sweet that vanished with the sunshine in the sky,
Each time we meet, You Pass Me By.
You Pass Me By, and now I know my hopes are all in vain
Here am I alone on mem'ry lane.
I hope and pray, the one you love will never make you cry,
Then turn away and pass you by.
I keep your mem'ry locked in my heart,
Forever there to help me bear the lonely tears that start.
I might have known our love was only meant to be a lie,
Oh, heart of stone, You Pass Me By.
I could never be lonely
I could never be blue
As I go thru life if only
I have my guitar and you
Why should I ever worry
Why should I be sad
We travel along in a hurry
Sharing the good and the bad
Whenever I'm up, you're near me
Giving me happiness
And when I'm down, you cheer me
Nothing is better than this
Here we go, just we three
Oh, how happy we will be
I'll hook my ladder to a silver star
And climb with you and my old guitar
Over the land we wander
First here and there
But I never stop to ponder
If the clouds are dark or fair
In one horse town or city
No matter where we are
I'm happy if I have with me
You and my old guitar
We've travelled the roads together
Leading to lands afar
Singing in all kinds of weather
And strumming my old guitar
Here we go, just we three
Oh, how happy we will be
I'll hook my ladder to a silver star
And climb with you and my old guitar
My cowboy life is so happy and free
Out west where the laws don't bother me
I take my troubles like a toy
I'm just a yodeling cowboy
At the set of the sun
When my work is done
On my pony I take a ride
Where thr coyotes howl
And the varmits prowl
With my forty-four by my side
I go down that lonesome trail
Just galloping long
I love to sing my yodeling
Cowboy song
Where a man is a man
And a friend is a friend
Where all my cares and worries end
I have no troubles, nothing but joy
I'm just a yodeling cowboy
At the set of the sun
When my work is done
On my pony I take a ride
Where thr coyotes howl
And the varmits prowl
With my forty-four by my side
I go down that lonesome trail
Just galloping long
I love to sing this yodeling
Cowboy song
I just received, sweetheart, your yellow roses
You tell me, dear, they mean that we're all through
You tell me that, tonight your heart is broken
But you should know, I was never untrue
I'll place them near your photograph
And as the petals fall
They'll hide from you my lonely tears
That shouldn't fall at all
Then they will slowly fade away and die
But I'll still love you, though yellow roses say goodbye
Why me Lord what have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord what did I ever do that was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown
Lord help me Jesus I've wasted it so help me Jesus I know what I am
But now that I know that I've needed you so help me Jesus my soul's in your hand
Please try me Lord if you think there's any way
That I can try to repay for all the wonderful things that I've taken from you
And maybe that Lord yes maybe I can show someone else
Oh what I've been through myself on my way back to you
Lord help me Jesus...
On a cold winter's night not a star was in sight
And the north wind came howling down the line
With his sweetheart so dear stood a brave engineer
With his orders to pull old No 9
She kissed him goodbye with a tear in her eye
But the joy in his heart he could not hide
Oh the whole world seemed bright when she told him that night
That tomorrow she'd be his blushing bride
Oh the wheels hummed a song as the train rolled along
And the black smoke came pouring from the stack
And the headlight agleam seemed to brighten his dream
Of tomorrow when he'd be coming back
He steered around the hill and his brave heart stood still
For a headlight was shining in his face
And he whispered a prayer as he drew on the air
For he knew this would be his final grace
[ piano ]
In the wreck he was found lying there on the ground
And he asked them to raise his weary head
As his breath slowly went this the message he sent
To the maiden who thought she would be wed
There's a little white home that I built for our own
Where I dreamed we'd be happy by and by
But I leave it to you for I know you'll be true
Till we meet at the golden gate goodbye
Have you found since you turned me down
The one who you were searching for
Are you glad that you made me sad
For you know I vowed to love you ever more
What did you have in mind when you broke this heart of mine
Are you laughing in my face
Darling what can I do when you say we are through
You've left the wound time can't erase
[ guitar ]
Tell me dear are you satisfied to be foot loose and fancy free
Is it power you want for the things that you have done
What you've gained I guess I'll never see
(What did you have in mind when you broke this heart of mine
Are you laughing in my face)
Darling what can I do when you say we are through
You've left the wound time can't erase
You've left the wound time can't erase
Written by Walker - Stuart - Newman
Recorded by Hank Snow
Deep within this broken heart of mine,
All I find is memories of you;
And I'll never get you from my mind,
Can't seem to realize, our love was through.
Now there's all my future plans to rearrange,
And I don't know how to make the change;
For within this broken heart of mine,
All I find is memories of you
Darlin' it was just a year ago;
You said I'd soon get over lovin' you.
Now I'm writing, just to let you know;
You were wrong, now please tell me what to do.
Now there's all my future plans to rearrange,
And I don't know how to make the change;
For within this broken heart of mine,
All I find is memories of you
(Spoken) With this ring I thee wed
An angel here beside me
Just a moment more and heaven will be mine
With this ring I thee wed
As every dream inside me
Comes true each time I hear the church bells chime
This little band of gold I hold
Will soon be on your finger
A kiss, a vow, a moment so divine
With this ring I thee wed
And now you're mine forever
To have and hold until the end of time
With our hearts tied as one
We leave the church together
Together as we know we'll always be
In a life just begun
This day will live forever
Like blossoms in a treasured memory
Your big bouquet may fade away
But as the years go by dear
I'll take your hand and say each day anew
With this ring I thee wed
I vow I love you truly
And every day you'll hear me say I do
Written by Jack Newman
Recorded by Hank Snow
Whispering rain, whisper your song to me,
There on my roof, my window pane, whispering rain,
Drive all my blues away,
Now that she’s gone, I’m all alone,
Can’t stand the pain,
Whispering rain, whispering rain.
Now that she’s gone, I’ve no lover,
I look at the rain and I wonder;
Where can she be, will she come back to me?
Whispering rain.
Whispering rain, falling where we used to stroll,
The garden so green, the path by the stream,
Whispering rain;
Oh, how I hate to see you wash away the footsteps in clay,
We left on the scene,
Whispering rain, whispering rain.
Now that she’s gone I’ve no lover,
I look at the rain and I wonder;
Where can she be, will she come back to me?
Whispering rain.
Written by Chuck Glaser
Recorded by Hank Snow
In a small country town when the flowers were in bloom I found her
Oh more beautiful love I know there's never been
In a great big city all alone I tried to forget her
And I keep asking myself over and over again
Where has all the love gone where has all the love gone
Where has all the love gone it's gone I only know it's gone
On the soft sound of breeze we would drift on our clouds for tomorrow
As we stare at the world through a window of rose colored pane
Now I stare at a jungle of concrete surrounded by sorrow
And I keep asking myself over and over again
Where has all the love gone...
It's gone I only know it's gone
Memories that linger in my heart
Memories that make my heart grow cold
But some day they'll live again sweetheart
And my blue moon again will turn to gold
When our blue moon turns to gold again
When the rainbow turns the clouds away
When our blue moon turns to gold again
You'll be back within my arms to stay
[ guitar ]
The castles we built of dreams together
Were the sweetest stories ever told
Maybe we will live them all again
And my blue moon again will turn to gold
When our blue moon turns...
[ instrumental ]
I have the invitation that you sent me
You wanted me to see you change your name
I couldn't stand to see you wed another
But I hope you're happy just the same
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
That should be ringing now for you and me
Down the aisle with someone else you're walking
So wedding bells will never ring for me
[ fiddle ]
I planned a little cottage in the valley
I even bought a little band of gold
I thought someday I'll place it on your finger
But now the future looks so dark and cold
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
I hear the children laughing now with plea
And all alone I hang my head in sorrow
Those wedding bells will never ring for me
[ steel ]
I fancy that I see a bunch of roses
A blossom from an orange tree in your hair
While the organ plays I'll love you truly
Just let me pretend that I am there
Wedding bells are ringing in the chapel
Ever since the day you set me free
I knew some day that you would wed another
But wedding bells will never ring for me
Written by Bill Hayes and Jay Johnson
Recorded by Hank Snow
I'll have a 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 that blue heartache starts hurtin'
You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white but I'll have a blue blue Christmas
You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white but I'll have a blue blue Christmas
Recorded by Hank Snow
The ballroom was quiet and empty,
The band it had played the last waltz.
The beautiful moonbeams from Heaven
O'er lovers so softly did fall.
A boy from the band saw me standing
And down o'er the floor made his way.
Are you wedding your sweetheart he asked me,
Then to him these words I did say:
CHORUS
When that someone you love doesn't love you,
A nd you are lonely and sad.
Fate dealt a hand and you've lost her,
The best pal that you ever had.
Each appeal that you made was a failure,
Your romance has come to the end.
And that someone you love doesn't love you
That's when your heartaches began.
[Repeat chorus] That's when your heartaches began.
There's an old guitar that's lonely
Since the master's gone away
But he's singing to the angels
Way up in Heaven today
He left a blue song for the brakeman
And to the kiddies a lullaby
To all sweethearts he left a lovesong
When Jimmie Rogers said goodbye
He left a yodel for the cowboy
They sing it now with tear dimmed eye
And he left every prairie lonely
When Jimmie Rogers said goodbye
They miss him down in Alabama
Across the world you can hear them say
Mississippi lost their blue yodeler
When Jimmie Rogers said goodbye
Although the freight trains keep on running
He caught a fast one on the fly
But he left his guitar behind him
When Jimmie Rogers said goodbye
On an ocean of dreams I have wandered it seems
Just wanderin' wanderin' on
Since I found the note sweetheart that you wrote
Just saying that you had really gone
Will the pretty bird sing will the roses in the spring
Still blossom when they find you have gone
Will the old pals be true or will they all leave me too
Just wanderin' wanderin' on
[ fiddle ]
Will the little brook still play as it winds along its way
Will the stars keep on shinin' tough you've gone
Will they find their way to you will they tell you that I'm blue
Or will they too leave me wanderin' on
Will the pretty bird sing...
[ guitar ]
Though you've left me and gone I'll keep wanderin' on
Wanderin' down life's way
And beneath the lovely blue I may wander back to you
And my dreams will all come true someday
Then the pretty birds will sing how the happiness they'll bring
And the roses too will bloom sweet and fair
And a little star on high will shine for you and I
If you promise my darlin' you'll be there
Now the hacienda's dark the town is sleeping
Now the time has come to part the time for weeping
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
Now the village mission bells are softly ringing
If you listen with your heart you'll hear them singing
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
Wherever you may be I'll be beside you
Although you're many million dreams away
Each night I'll say a prayer a prayer to guide you
To hasten every lonely hour of every lonely day
Now the dawn is breaking through a gray tomorrow
But the memories we share are there to borrow
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
[ guitar ]
Wherever you may be...
(Vaya con dios my love)
Written by Jimmie Rodgers
Recorded by Hank Snow
All around the water tank waiting for a train
A thousand miles away from home sleeping in the rain
I walked up to a brakeman gave him a line of talk
He said if you've got money boy I'll see that you don't walk
I haven't got a nickel not a penny can I show
Get off get off you railroad bum and he slammed the boxcar door
He put me off in Texas a state I dearly love
The wide open spaces all around me the moon and stars up above
Nobody seems to want me or to lend me a helping hand
I'm on my way from Frisco going back to Dixie Land
Though my pocketbook is empty and my heart is full of pain
I'm a thousand miles away from home just a waiting for a train
Oh, those Wabash Blues
I know I got my dues.
A lonesome soul am I.
I feel that I could die.
Candle light that gleams
Taunts me in my dreams.
I'll pack my walking shoes
To lose those Wabash Blues.
Written by Larry Russell - Buddy Pepper - Inez James
Recorded by Hank Snow
Now the hacienda's dark the town is sleeping
Now the time has come to part the time for weeping
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
Now the village mission bells are softly ringing
If you listen with your heart you'll hear them singing
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
Wherever you may be I'll be beside you although you're many million dreams away
Each night I'll say a prayer a prayer to guide you
To hasten every lonely hour of every lonely day
Now the dawn is breaking through a gray tomorrow
But the memories we share are there to borrow
Vaya con dios my darling vaya con dios my love
Wherever you may be...
(Vaya con dios my love)
Written by Bob Nolan
Recorded by Hank Snow
(Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweeds)
See them tumbling down pledging their love to the ground
Lonely but free I'll be found drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweeds
Cares of the past are behind nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind drifitng along with a tumbling tumbleweeds
I know when night has gone that a new world's born at dawn
I'll keep rolling along deep in my heart is a song
Here on the range I belong drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweeds
(I'm a roving cowboy riding all day long tumbleweeds around me sing their lonely song)
Nights underneath the prairie moon I'll ride along and sing a tune
I'll keep rolling along deep in my heart is a song
Here on the range I belong drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweeds
(Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweeds)
I'm not crying cause you're gone you didn't make me blue
So don't you worry darling these tears are not for you
I'm not crying cause you've said you found somebody new
No don't you worry darling cause these tears are not for you
I knew all along that you were only playing a game
Just because I've burned my wings that's no reason you're the flame
Don't begin imaginin' you broke my heart in two
No don't you worry darling cause these tears are not for you
[ fiddle ]
Just because you trampled on a dream that won't come true
Oh don't you worry darling cause these tears are not for you
Go ahead and have your fun I don't care what you do
And don't you worry darling cause these tears are not for you
I knew from the start that you were just a trifling kind
When a new love comes along you leave a broken heart behind
I'm not crying over all the dreams you broke in two
So don't you worry darling cause these tears are not for you
Well
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars
Knee-high dresses, and home-brew buyers
This train don't carry no liars, this train
(Chorus)
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory
Nobody rides it but the righteous and the holy
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train don't carry no jokers, this train
This train don't carry no jokers, this train
This train don't carry no jokers
No small tippers and cigarette smokers
This train don't carry no jokers, this train
Well,
(Repeat chorus)
Well
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train don't carry no gamblers
No crap shooters and midnight ramblers
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
(Repeat chorus)
Written by Stuart Hamblen
Recorded by Hank Snow
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 the 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
A rose looks grey...
Written by Marvis Harris
Recorded by Hank Snow
Here's the house where we once lived that I had love too much to give
For the girl who said that she'll be mine
And here's the room where we both slept and when she laughed that's where I wept
We had love so very hard to find
There's the chair that held the man that held the girl that held the hand
That wore the ring that I no longer wear
And there's the clock that used to chime but I've lost track of telling time
And there's a picture I see everywhere
In the kitchen where she cook I can see her recepi book
And on the table there's her favorite glass
In the dynama afraid do look cause I will see that leather book
Sunday morning she was first to class
I pull up shades I pull up blinds cause it's gone the tie that binds
It's broken now but God knows I still care
Sometimes love is not too pretty when you find it's gone
I guess now I lose my mind I already lost a home
I walk these halls a hollow man I'm tryin' to do the best I can
But I can't walk away from yesterday
I try to be a stirrin' man and rule her with an iron hand
But sdomehow too much love come in the way
There's the chair that held the man that held the girl that held the hand
That wore the ring that I no longer wear
And here's the beer that I would drink to stop the mind that wants to think
About the girl who said she didn't care
There's the chair that held the man that held the girl that held the hand
That wore the ring that I no longer wear
Sweet dreams of you every night I go through
Why can't I forget you and start my life anew
Instead of having sweet dreams about you
You don't love me it's plain
I should know you'll never wear my name
I should hate you the whole night through
Instead of having sweet dreams about you
[ steel - guitar ]
Sweet dreams of you...
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
In a distant land so many miles away
Only Uncle Sam's great heroes get to go there
Where I wished that I could also live someday
I'd see Lincoln Custer Washington and Perry
Nathan Hale and Calin Kelly too
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
Waving on the land of the heroes brave and true
In this war with its mad schemes of destruction
Of our country fair and our sweet liberty
By the mad dictators leaders of corruption
Can't the US use a mountain boy like me
God gave me the right to be a free American
And for that precious right I'd gladly die
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
That is where I want to live when I die
[ piano ]
Though I realize I'm crippled that is true sir
Please don't judge my courage by my twisted leg
Let me show my Uncle Sam what I can do sir
Let me help to bring the axis down a peg
If I do some brave deed I will be a hero
And the hero brave is what I want to be
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
In that heaven there should be a place for me
**********
5.
WALKING THE LAST MILE
(Jeff Hess)
« © '64 copyright control »
Walking the last mile so weary and slow
It leads to the gallows from where I don't know
One step every minute each minute seems as a year
This parting is bitter when no friend is near
If I had one wish Lawd and that could come true
I'd wish I was pardoned and back home with you
I'd get on my knees Lawd and if you'd forgive
No more would I hurt you as long as I live
(The way I go on Lawd is crashing my soul
It's hard to be tied down in this prison hole)
There is one regret Lawd that tortures my brain
It's that I've been careless in causing you pain
Walking the last mile with each step I bear
Praying forgiveness from him way up there
Oh please say a prayer Lawd for it's my last keep
Please pray the great Master shows mercy on me
Perhaps in the next world on that judgement day
I'll find that the Master washed my sins away
There I'll hold my head up when my soul is free
And rest in your arms Lawd through eternity
THERE'S A LITTLE BOX OF PINE ON THE 7:29
(George Brown - Dette Lee)
'58 Shapiro-Bernstein Co
A mother wrote a warning how much longer must I wait
Before you send my boy back home to me
For my eyes are growing dim and I'm longing for my Jim
Please hurry up and let my boy go free
The warden read the letter a tear fell from his eye
Sitting down he wrote her this reply
(There's a little box of pine on the 7:29)
Bringing back a lost sheep to the fold
There's a valley filled with tears as the train of sorrow nears
The night is dark the world is growing cold
There he's taking his last ride down the trail no more he'll roam
On his face there is a smile he knows he's going home
(There's a little box of pine on the 7:29)
Bringing back a lost sheep to the fold
The church was filled with people as the organ softly played
And on their knees the congregation prayed
As they softly sang a hymn for poor widow's Jim
He's happy for he's going home to stay
There he's taking his last ride...
There wasn't an organ at our wedding
The month was August instead of June
On your pretty hand no golden wedding band
You didn't even have a honeymoon
The gown you wore was sweet and simple
In my pocket just a prayer
There wasn't an organ at our wedding
But I knew in my heart the Lord was there
[ steel - fiddle ]
As long as you are here beside me
I'll face the future without care
There wasn't an organ at our wedding
But I knew in my heart the Lord was there
Written by Webb Pierce
Recorded by Hank Snow
There are so many flirty guys with flirty flirty ways
And I am so afraid that they will steal you some day
Don't let 'em darling cause you belong to me
No don't ever let them make you think your heart is fancy free
Don't let 'em darling that heart belongs to me
The'll tell you that I trifle and that you should do the same
They'll tell you that they need your love so why not make the change
Don't do it darling that love belongs to me
Oh please don't let them blind you I still love you can't you see
Don't let 'em darling that heart belongs to me
They'll offer you a mansion ask if you'll be their queen
So they can give you riches make your life a happy dream
Don't let 'em darling that dream belongs to me
Oh sure they'll try to buy your love with riches such as these
Don't let 'em darling that heart belongs to me
[ instrumental ]
My good gal's trying to make a fool out of me
Yes, my gal's trying to make a fool out of me
Trying to make me believe
I ain't got that ol' TB.
When it rained down sorrow it rained all over me, Lord, Lord
When it rained down sorrow it rained all over me, hey
'Cause my body ripples
Like a train on that old SP.
--- Instrumental ---
I got that old TB, I can't eat a bite
Got that old TB, I can't eat a bite
Got me worried soul,
I can't even sleep at night.
I've been fightin' like a lion, looks like I'm goin' to you
I've been fightin' like a lion, looks like I'm goin' to you
'Cause there ain't nobody ever
With the TB blues.
--- Instrumental ---
Gee, but that graveyard is a lonesome place, hey, hey
Lord, but that graveyard is a lonesome place
They put you on your back
You'll never know I cried when I found out you lied
So I''ll keep ridin' hidin' teardrops in my heart
A cowboy can't reveal a broken heart until
He's all alone in someplace long to play the part
Though I'm pretending that I don't care to be with you my darling is my prayer
But way down deep inside I can't give up my pride
So I''ll keep ridin' hidin' teardrops in my heart
[ ac.guitar ]
Now they say that the cowboy's not supposed to cry
But friends he has a heart just the same as you and I
I overheard one on the range today and I knew you rode 'em sorrowful
In the song he sang these are the words I heard him say
No one will ever know my heart is breaking
Although a million tears start to flow
I'll cry myself to sleep and wake up smiling
I'll miss you but no one will ever know
I'll tell them we grew tired of each other
And realize our dreams could never be
I'll even make believe I never loved you
Then no one will ever know the truth but me
[ guitar - steel ]
No one will ever know how much I'm pining
Each time the past comes back to haunt me so
No one will ever see the tears I'm hiding
You've hurt me but no one will ever know
I'll tell them I've found true love with another
That I was glad the day you set me free
I'll even make believe I never loved you
Stolen moments are all we have together
Two hearts that must find love on borrowed time
Stolen moments, the seconds that we treasure
Must this forbidden pleasure be a crime?
If only we had met when both of us were free
We could walk into the sunlight where a love like ours should be.
Stolen moments that only let me borrow
A glimpse of some tomorrow when you're mine
[ steel - guitar ]
The band it was playing the Star Spangled Waltz
The lights in the ballroom were low
Oh twas sweet to my ears I fought back my tears
For that waltz broke my heart long ago
My sweetheart grew jealous as I danced with a friend
And said that my love had grown false
Then she told me goodbye neath that old southern sky
As we danced to the Star Spangled Waltz
[ fiddle - steel ]
Then a face caught my eye as the dancers passed by
It was my sweetheart who left me to pine
As she whispered my name I cuold see oh so plain
That her heart it was broken like mine
Love had one it's last fight as I kissed her that night
As I did in the days long ago
We had found new romance though we cried as we danced
The twilight shadows deepen into night dear
The city lights are gleaming o'er the snow
I sit alone beside the cheery fire dear
I'm dreaming dreams from out the long ago
When it's springtime in the rockies I'll be coming back to you
Little sweetheart of the mountains with your bonnie eyes of blue
Once again I'll say I love you while the birds sing all the day
When it's Springtime in the rockies in the rockies far away
[ steel ]
I fancy it is springtime in the mountains
The maple leaves in first sky green appear
I hear you softly say my queen of May time
This springtime you have come to meet me here
When there are grey skies I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Sonny Boy.
Friends may forsake me, let them all forsake me.
You pull me thru, Sonny Boy.
You're sent from heaven and I know your worth.
You made a heaven for me right here on the earth.
When I'm old and grey, dear, promise you won't stray, dear,
Somewhere my love there will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hope of spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are greens all that your heart can hold
Someday we'll meet again my love someday whenever the spring breaks through
You'll come to me out of the long ago warm as the wind soft as the kiss of snow
Laura my sweet think of me now and then not sleep my love till you are mine again
I'll remember when it's winter and there's not a rose to see
That you kiss me and there will be roses blooming in the snow for me
I'll remember in December when the lonely raindrops sigh
How you smile dear and there will be sunshine in the dark December sky
I'll remember ever after the wind in your hair of gold
And the sound of your laughter will warm my heart when I'm old
I'll remember when it's winter and my dreams have ceased to be
That you love me and there will be roses blooming in the snow for me
[ guitar ]
No letter today I have waited since dawn
I've waited each day since you have been gone
No letter today all the days are so long
Oh why don't you write I know I was wrong
Just give me one chance please won't you forgive
I'll love you my dear as long as I live
I know it's no use though I hope and I pray
The postman goes by no letter today
[ guitar ]
Sing me a song of the islands
My serenade that the trade winds blow
Sing me a song of the islands
Where hearts are high and the moon is low
Where wrippling waters seem to say Aloha au-i-o-ei
Bring me the frangrance of ginger
Strum your guitars while I dream away
Then sing me a song of the islands Aloha au-i-o-ei
[ steel ]
I'm free as a man can be this is the life for me
Go when I want do or I don't no worries and troubles for me
A newspaper for my bed no naggin' woman bangin' my head
I'm free as the breeze and I go when I please
Silver rails keep me free silver rails keep me free
When I find a place I don't like when I find the things ain't right
An old freight train will be waiting to set me free
Silver rails keep me free silver rails keep me free
[ guitar - steel ]
I follow that old sunshine ain't nothing I've left behind
I'm walking it slow always ready to go I don't get far from that line
At night I get my sleep that's all I ever need
I hear the whistle call and it's goodbye to you all
Silver rails keep me free silver rails keep me free
Sittin' in an all nite cafe in a booth back in the corner
Making paper wads from napkins throwin' toothpicks on the floor
Got a problem I can't solve so I'm gonna sit till I figure out
The reason why my baby doesn't love me anymore
It can't be another woman cause I never looked at any one
As long as I've been knowin' her and that's a long long time
Drank a hundred cups of coffee and I just began another then
I'll get myself an ulcer for I get her off my mind
[ piano - guitar ]
Sittin' in an all nite cafe listenin' to the jukebox playin'
Overhead the waitress saying wonder why you don't go home
Bet my baby's out with someone laughin' dancin' and romancin'
And I'll bet she never thinks about me sittin' here alone
I met her in old Monterey on a night that was filled with romance
We listened to violins play sweet music that have us in trance
I knew you were mine from the start your eyes were mischeated and gay
As I kissed my Rose of the border that night down in old Monterey
Let's go manana one night with a lifetime to live
Sweet primadona my heart wanted only to give
I won't forget you your though duty forbids me to stay
I'll be that you call when the first petals fall
On my Rose down in old Monterey
[ guitar ]
She wears my my ring to show the world that she belongs to me
She wears my ring to show the world she's mine eternaly
With loving care I place it on her finger
To show my love for all the world to see
(This tiny ring is a token of tender emotion
An endless fool of love that's as deep as the ocean)
She swears to wear it with eternal devotion
That's why I sing because she wears my ring
[ guitar ]
Send me the pillow that you dream on
Don't you know that I still care for you
Send me the pillow that you dream on
So darling I can dream on it too
At night while I'm sleeping oh so lonely
I share your love in dreams that once were true
(Send me the pillow that you dream on)
So darling I can dream on it too
[ steel ]
Send me the pillow that you dream on
Maybe time will let our dreams come true
Send me the pillow that you dream on
So darling I can dream on it too
I've waited so long for you to write me
But just memories are all I have of you
(Send me the pillow that you dream on)
Ramblin' rose ramblin' rose
Why you ramble no one knows
Wild and wind blown that's how you've grown
Who can cling to a ramblin' rose
Ramble on ramble on
When you're ramblin' days are gone
Who will love you with a love true
When you're ramblin' days are gone
[ strings ]
Ramblin' rose ramblin' rose
Why I want you heaven knows
Though I love you with a love true
Last night as I lay sleeping I dreamed a dream so fair
I dreamed about my darling a rose was in her hair
I dreamed I left this prison started life anew
She told me that she loved me told me her love was true
It was only a dream just a prisoner's dream
As I lay on my cold prison bed
My dreams of you can never come true
Dear girl I wish that I was dead
I dreamed she called me darling kissed me and held me tight
I dreamed that we were married dreamed of a starry night
I dreamed about our children playing around my knee
They loved me called me daddy they thought the world of me
It was only a dream...
I dreamed a dream so lovely heaven on earth it seemed
My wife and little children came to me in my dreams
They threw their arms around me I was their pride and joy
My little wife she loved me I was her darling boy
Here's a rose from my garden
Where the bloom of romance grows
But I'll keep on a part near my aching heart
Just a petal from a faded rose
Love'd be sweet in the morning
When the breeze of summer blows
But will fade and die when the wind is nigh
Like a petal from a faded rose
[ vibes ]
Now our love is a memory
Where it's gone nobody knows
But I'll hold so dear as a souvenir
Just a petal from a faded rose
(I will live with the roses Where the sea of mem'ry flows)
And each time I dream then a tear will gleam
I have heard your stories about your fast trains
But now I'll tell you bout one all the southern folks have seen
She's the beauty of the southland listen to that whistle scream
It's that Pan American on her way to New Orleans
She leaves Cincinnati heading down that Dixon Line
When she passes the Nashville Tower you could hear that whistle whine
Stick your hand right out the window and feel that southern breeze
You're on that Pan American on her way to New Orleans
[ guitar ]
If you're ever in the southland and want to see the scenes
Just get yourself a ticket on that Pan American queen
There's Louisville Nashville Montgomery the capitol of Alabam
You pass right through them all when you're New Orleans bound
When will my arms grow cold when will your kiss grow old
When will I want to be free
Exactly one minute past eternity
When will I make you blue cheat and run around on you
Throw away the love you've given me
Exactly one minute past eternity
Eternity is forever so darling have no fear
My love for you will last and last a million million years
When will I say goodbye break your heart and make you cry
Tell you to forget about me
Exactly one minute past eternity
[ piano - guitar ]
Eternity is forever...
Now is the hour when we must say goodbye
Soon you'll be sailing far across the sea
While you're away oh then remember me
When you return you'll find me waiting here
[ steel ]
Sunset glow facing the west night o'er the valley is creeping
Birds cuddle down in their nest soon all the world will be sleeping
I filled my ol' car up with gas north to Chicago I was goin'
Just drove ten miles and turned around I couldn't leave without you knowin'
I had to see you one last time and be with you once before I'll go
To talk with you just one more time and then I'm bound north to Chicago
Still I wish there's something you would say to make me change my mind and stay
But I guess it's gotta be this way then I guess I'm bound north to Chicago
Please don't be angry that I've come I know you didn't want to see me
I know I said I wouldn't call and I tried my best love please believe me
Well everything I own is in my car you can see I'm leavin' so you must know
I only come to say goodbye and then I'm bound north to Chicago
Still I wish there's something...
(Ah Lord that woman done me a fool of little ol' Hank
My arms are a house I want you to live there
Come into my house for you have the key
My heart is the door that's waiting wide open
To welcome the love who shares it with me
We'll furnished with kisses and plans that come true
Just think of the nursery in pink or in blue
We'll make it secure with love and devotion
My arms are a house for no one but you
(My arms are a house I want you to live there
Come into my house for you have the key)
We'll furnished with kisses and plans that come true
Just think of the nursery in pink or in blue
We'll make it secure with love and devotion
Maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong and maybe I'm weak and maybe I'm strong
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Maybe I'll win and maybe I'll lose and maybe I'm in for cryin' the blues
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Somehow I knew at a glance the terrible chances I'm taking
Fine at the start then left with a heart that is breaking
Maybe I'll live a life of regret
And maybe I'll give much more than I get
Nevertheless I'm in love with you
(Maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong maybe I'm weak maybe I'm strong)
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
(Maybe I'll win maybe I'll lose maybe I'm in for cryin' the blues)
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Somehow I knew at a glance the terrible chances I'm taking
Fine at the start then left with a heart that is breaking
Maybe I'll live a life of regret and maybe I'll give much more than I get
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
For years and years I've rambled drank my wines and gambled
But one day I thought I'd settle down
I met a perfect lady she said she'd be my baby
We built a cottage in the old hometown
But somehow I can't forget my good old rambling days
Now the railroad trains are calling me away
Well I may be rough I may be wild I may be tough and out of style
But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways
[ dobro - ac.guitar ]
Now sometimes when I meet a bounder who knew me when I was a rounder
He grabs my hand and says boy have a drink
We'd go down to the poolroom get in the gang and then soon
The daylight comes before I had a wink
I never knew that the place I grew is the grandest place on earth
Till I roamed around from town to town but now I know what it's worth
Listen while I'll tell you bout the place I mean
It's my little ole home way down in New Orleans
In the sunny south where the black boat flows that's where I long to be
The Dixie land where the white cotton grows is calling now to me
And soon I'll be in the land of my dreams
And that's my little ole home way down in New Orleans
[ fiddle ]
I've been east and I've been way out west I've been around most everywhere
Now I'm heading south for a good long rest I'll be glad when I get there
All the wonder things in the world it seems
Are a waiting for me way down in New orleans
In the sunny south...
I want to go back to the little grass shack in Kealakekua Hawaii
I want to be with all the kanes and wahines that I used to know long ago
I can hear the old guitars a playing on the beach at Honaunau
I can hear the old Hawaiians saying komo mai no kaua i ka hale welakahao
It won't be long till my ship will be sailing back to Kona
A grand old place that's always fair to see (yes siree)
Well I'm just a little Hawaiian a homesick island boy
I want to go back to my fish and poi
I want to go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua Hawaii
Where the humuhumunukunukuapuaa go swimming by
[ steel ]
It won't be long till my ship
Where the humuhumunukunukuapuaa go swimming by
Some folks like to wish upon a little silver star
Others wish upon that big old moon
If you want to make a wish and have that wish come true
Let me tell you I should know because one night in June
I made a wish upon my little golden horseshoe
And gee I wished that I would fall in love
I told the little stars that I was so blue
As they smiled down on me from up above
And what do you know that wish that I was wishing
Came just as true as true as it could be
I wished and kissed my little golden horseshoe
Then lady luck found you and you kissed me
[ steel - fiddle ]
I made a wish upon...
In my adobe hacienda there's a touch of Mexico
Cactus lovelier than orchids blooming in the patio
Soft desert stars and the strum of guitars
Makes every evening seem so sweet
In my adobe hacienda life and love are more complete
[ guitar ]
In my adobe hacienda nested in the western hills
Evening breezes softly murmur harmony with whippoorwills
When setting sun says the long day is done
Sweet music starts to fill the air
Little stranger in a manger little stranger sweet and mild
Mother Mary daddy Joseph watch o'er you their holy child
Searching for you to adore you come Three Kings led by a star
Little stranger in a manger they'll find heaven where you are
Choir of angels are singing this night of your birth
Praise and glory to the highest in a stable on earth
Humble shepherds filled will wonder kneel and pray by lanthern light
Little stranger in a manger bless our soul this holy night
Choir of angels are singing this night of your birth
Praise and glory to the highest little stranger here on earth
[ vibes ]
Humble shepherds filled will wonder...
My dreams tell it like it was but my eyes see it like it is
Seems like only yesterday when I had everything
But today I can't face the hurt tomorrow bring
For reality and yesterday is all there is
My dreams tell it like it was but my eyes see it like it is
All I ever wanted in my life was you
Now there's nothing left worth looking forward to
Except the past that's full of broken promises
My dreams tell it like it was but my eyes see it like it is
[ guitar ]
I pretend your arms are holding me so tenderly
And each embrace I've locked away in memory
For only in my dreams your love brings happiness
My dreams tell it like it was but my eyes see it like it is
Tonight down here in the valley I'm lonesome and oh how I feel
As I sit here alone in my cabin I can see your mansion on the hill
Do you recall when we parted the story to me you revealed
You said you could live without love dear in your loveless mansion on the hill
[ vibes - guitar ]
(The light shines bright from your window the trees stand so silent and still)
The steel guitar played when I met her and it played the night I lost her
Yes you drove her to another with your sweet Hawaiian charms
I know your sorry but it's too late now and I know you meant no harm
But the waltz that you were playing put her in another's arms
Cry steel guitar cry on you're crying because you know she is gone
Gone with another and I'm all alone so cry steel guitar cry on
[ steel ]
(Cry steel guitar cry on you're crying because you know she is gone)
Mother I'm leaving and I'm proud to go please don't be grieving I love you so
Here in this pocket over my heart is the Bible you gave me your gift as we part
My country needs me you know that's true pray for me mother till this war is through
God will protect me you must be brave mother I thank you for the Bible you gave
[ piano ]
Mother I'm writing this letter to say I love my Bible I read it each day
And when I read it my body's drawn near the blessed scripture they love to hear
Mids all this turmoil of earthly things what peace and comfort the Holy word brings
Mother don't worry I will be saved mother I thank you for the Bible you gave
[ guitar ]
Mother the battle just has been won you'll have a hero now for a son
I have been wounded left there for that God in his mercy spared me instead
My Bible saved me it played its part it's stopped the bullet aimed at my heart
Had our number changed today although I hated to
But each time the phone would ring they'd want to speak to you
And it hurts to tell that you're not here with me
Maybe now old telephone will let me be
It's not in the book now so you'd better write it down
Just in case your love for me should ever come around
You might want to call and break the news to me
Just call Lonesome 7-7203
[ vibes + guitar ]
I keep the telephone beside me all the time
Hoping you might want to call and say you're changed your mind
If you do then darling you know where I'll be
I'm at Lonesome 7-7203
You're the only one I'm giving our new number to
So now if the telephone should ring I'll know it's you
If you ever long for love that used to be
The lights were burning low and Mr Midnight made his way
Old father time had trudged along to close another day
The old clock ticked and seemed to say your heart is sad and blue
But just rememeber pal there's others broken too
I told the moon it was so hard to play love's losing hand
When you thought you drew a sweetheart she was just a fickle friend
Don't mind my tears remember there's still a million hearts in bloom
So keep on shining though I'm pining silv'ry moon
[ fiddle - guitar ]
The trade winds brought a message in from far across the sea
They said they saw the silver sails that carried you from me
They told me you were drifting on upon an endless tide
And lonely seagulls hovered o'er you as you cried
If I could send a message on the crest of every wave
They'd take you my forgiveness and two broken hearts we'd save
But instead I'll ask each little star to guide your ship back home
So keep on shining though I'm pining sil'vry moon
How many teardrops have I cried over you
A million and one tears a million and two
How many nighttimes have my arms reached for you
A million and one times a million and two
I loved you my darling and I thought you loved me only me
But you were just foolin' and the fool you were foolin' was me
How many sweet dreams will never come true
A million and one dreams a million and two
[ guitars ]
(CHORUS) Here we go a round---, the merry go round
The merry go round---, the merry go round of love
Round and a round----,the merry go round
findin' true love--,sure is tough
Some people fallin off--,and some are getting on
And some are getting--,ready to jump
here we go a round--,the merry go round
the merry go round--,of love
I just got off--, from the merry go round
And my heart--, was starting to mend
The last ride I had--,was awfull bad
I swore--, I'd never get on again
Then I met a little girl, and she gave me a whirl
Now I'm off--, for an other round
I guess I'll be riding--, the merry go round
'till--,, the day I die
(REPEAT..CHORUS..+ MUSIC BRAKE)
How long will I ride the--, the merry go round
How long--, will it be this way
how many times--, will it go 'round and 'round
Before I find a girl who stay's
Every time I think--, about a true love
And my riding day's are done
A long come's a man--,who take's her by the hand
And I'm back--, where I've started from
January January that's when I am blue
January January when the year is new
I found you in January then you proved untrue
That's why January makes me blue
That's why January makes me blue
[ guitar ]
Once we found an achorn and you planted it with me
We swore that we would love till it became a mighty tree
Our tree's now mighty tall but love is just a memory
Just a January memory just a January memory
[ guitar ]
January January promised me the sky
Blinded me and offered me the love that was a lie
Made me want to live forever made want to die
That's why January makes me cry
Maria Elena you're the answer to a prayer
Maria Elena can't you see how much I care
To me your voice is like the echo of a sigh
And when you're near my heart can't speak above a sigh
Maria Elena say that we will never part
Maria Elena take me to your heart
A love like mine is great enough for two
To share this love is really all I ask of you
[ guitar ]
Jamaica Farewell
Down the way where the lights are gay,
And the sun shines daily on the mountain top;
I took a trip on a sailing ship,
And when I reached Jamaica I made a stop.
Chorus:
But I'm sad to say I'm on my way,
Won't be back for many a day;
My heart is down, my head is turning around,
I had to leave a little girl in Kingston town.
Sounds of laughter everywhere,
And the dancing girls swaying to and fro;
I must declare my heart is there,
Though I've been from Maine to Mexico.
Down at the market you can hear,
Ladies cry out while on their heads they bear;
Sake, rice, the fish are nice,
And the rum is fine any time of the year
[ instrumental ]
Broken hearted and so sad golden curls all wet with tears
Twas a picture of sorrow to see
Kneeling close to the side of his pal and only pride
A little lad these words he told me
He was such a lovely doggie and to me he was such fun
But today as we played by the way
A drunken man got mad at him because he barked in joy
He beat him and he's dying here today
Will you call the doctor please and tell him if he comes right now
He'll save my precious buddy cause I'll pray
Then he stroked the fluffy head but his little pal was dead
Just a shiver and he slowly passed away
He didn't know his dog had died so I told him as he cried
Come with me son we'll get that doctor right away
I can't leave him here alone I must get my doggie home
So while you're gone sir I'll just kneel beside him here and I'll pray
But when I returned he had his little pal upon his knee
And the teardrops they were blinding his big blue eyes
You're too late sir my doggie's dead and no help can save him now
But I'll meet my precious buddy up in the sky
By a tiny narrow grave where the willows sadly wave
There in grave on a shingle of pine
Little buddy rest in peace God will watch you through the years
Oh let me go let me go let me go woman
Let me be set me free from your spell
You made me weak cut me deep I can't sleep woman
I was cursed from the first day I fell
You don't want me but you want me to go on wanting you
How I pray that you will say that we're through
Please turn me lose what's the use let me go woman
Let me go let me go let me go
[ fiddle - guitar ]
I was standing by the window yesterday morning,
Without a thought of worry or of care,
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway,
With such a happy look and jolly air.
cho: As I heard the postman whistling yester morning,
Coming down the pathway with his pack,
Oh he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black.
Oh, he rang the bell and whistled while he waited,
And then he said "Good morning to you, Jack."
But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black.
With trembling hand I took the letter from him,
I broke the seal and this is what it said:
"Come home, my boy, your dear old father wants you!
Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead!"
"The last words that your mother ever uttered ---
'Tell my boy I want him to come back,'
My eyes are blurred, my poor old heart is breaking,
For I'm writing you this letter edged in black."
I bow my head in sorrow and in silence,
The sunshine of my life it all has fled,
Since the postman brought that letter yester morning
Saying,"Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead!:"
"Those angry words, I wish I'd never spoken,
You know I never meant them, don't you, Jack?
May the angels bear me witness, I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black."
Note. The Letter Edged In Black, written by Hattie Nevada, but
the authorship being forgotten, moved into the folk tradition.
It was recorded by Vernon Dalhart (as Al Craver) for Columbia
in November 1925; but perhaps the most popular country version
of the song was recorded by Kentucky balladeer Bradley Kincaid,
who recorded it for Bluebird on February 14, 1934.GG
Recorded by Marty Robbins Just Me And My Guitar
1983 CBS Records LSP 15388Bear Family Records BFX-15119
We met in the garden of roses one night when the moon was new
We kissed as the breeze whispered through the trees
I love you I love only you
You're as sweet as the dew on the roses true as the new moon above
Forever and ever my darling it's you only you that I love
[ fiddle ]
We promised to meet in the garden again when the moon was new
But they came between all our hopes and dreams
The heaven was lonely for you
Now I walk alone in the garden each night when the moon is new
And I cry as the breeze whisperes through the trees
I love you I love only you
My tears make the dew on the roses blue as the new moon above
If I walk in the pathway of duty if I work till the close of the day
I shall see the great king in his beauty when I've gone the last mile of the way
When I've gone the last mile of the way I will rest at the close of the day
And I know there are joys that await me when I've gone the last mile of the way
[ strings + guitar ]
And if here I have earnestly striven and have tried on his will to obey
Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven when I've gone the last mile of the way
Keep your promise Willie Thomas
We pledged our love one day beneath the whispering maple tree
You made a promise Willie Thomas
That all the leaves would still be green when you returned to me
But my heart is chilled and my eyes are filled
As I watch the leaves of red and brown fall sadly to the ground
You must keep your promise Willie Thomas
There'll be on spring until you bring your love again to me
[ fiddle ]
I shall keep my promise Willie Thomas
I pledged my love to you beneath the whispering maple tree
So I'll keep my promise Willie Thomas
Though all the leaves might not be green when I return to Thee
Let your heart not be chilled nor your eyes be filled
Cause I love you though you say the leaves are falling slowly down
So I'll keep my promise Willie Thomas
And there'll be spring cause with the birds I'll sing my love again to you
The sweetest thing that ever came into my life was you
The only girl in this whole world that turned my grey skies blue
Your tender love like a velvet glove enclosed around my heart
Told me we'd still be lovers when this old world fell apart
But now it's over over nothin'
My heart just felt the final curtain fall
And now it's over over nothin' it's over over nothin' at all
[ steel ]
We climbed the highest mountain then you always held my hand
And in my darkest moments you were there to understand
Then a hasty word misunderstood and pride that took command
May all those castles that love built come tumbling down in sand
All alone in this cruel world of sin
I have fought for Jesus but in vain
In my fight o'er dear land of God
They condemned him and tried to erase his name
They shout in mockery and sneer the son of God
As they smoked him and nailed him to a tree
A little bird circled round his crown of thorns
To dry the tears that he shed for you and me
(Jesus wept and the tears that he shed
Left the stains of sorrow on my heart
For our sins trickin' world that we'll regret
We'll pay the price cause Jesus wept)
[ guitar ]
But he still weeps and the tears that he sheds
Leave their stains of sorrow on my heart
For our sins trickin' world that we'll regret
We'll pay the price cause Jesus wept
It's been so long darling since I had to go away
It's been so long darling and I can't forget that day
Although you never mentioned it you cried that whole day long
It's been so long darling but now I'm coming home
[ guitar - fiddle ]
It's been so long darling since I gazed into your eyes
It's been so long darling do you really realize
That just the thought of seeing you it scares me through and through
It's been so long darling since I had a kiss from you
It's been such a long time darling but it won't be long now
It's been so long darling and I've kept every vow
I pray that you'll be waiting as you did in days gone by
Darling I recieved your last long letter
And onclosed I found the petal from a rose
That I picked and placed in your hand dear
When we strooled beneath the moonbeams long ago
You say that you can understand today dear
Why in tears I told you when you went away
Now you're leaving and I'll be so lonely
Like a faded petal from a beautiful bouquet
[ guitar ]
You tell me that tonight you're broken hearted
Your happiness in life sweetheart you say it's through
And that you regret the day you left me
And broke my heart to change an old love for the new
With aching heart and tears I write this letter
Old mem'ries I could never never cast away
I'll forgive you and you'll find me waiting
I don't wanna ever fall in love again
I don't wanna worry if I'll hurt or hurt somebody
You can't be happy when love comes to an end then you're alone
I won't try to change again for a woman's sake
Cause I won't be around one who has rules for me to follow
For when a love falls through it hurts and you will never be the same
And it takes too long to heal a broken heart
It hurts too bad when love gets pulled apart
From now on I just won't let it start
Cause it takes too long to heal a broken heart
[ guitar ]
It don't really matter why when love is gone
If cheatin' is to blame or it died from natural causes
The end is still the same it always causes pain at least to one
And it takes too long to heal...
Yes it takes too long to heal...
in memory of you, dear old pal
(Words and Music by C. E. Snow €" Hank, The Singing Ranger)G7 C E C C G7 G7 C Gdim G7Everything has gone wrong and the nights are so long since you left us down here all alone,C E7 F C G7 C F Ceveryday seems a year and the whole world is drear, it seems now I just can€™t go on.G7 F C D7 C7Standing close by my side is our own little pride, he misses your lullaby tune,C E7 F C G7 CAnd his big dark blue eyes swell with tears as he cries €œWon€™t Mummy come back to us soon?€?I planted sweet lilies for you dear of one on your grave €˜neath the pines in the dawn and our baby each day kneeled with me as I prayed in mem€™ry of you dear old pal.G7 C E C C G7 G7 C Gdim G7The angels will love you and keep you I know, €˜cause they needed some one just like youC E7 F C G7 C F Cto brighten the heaven around God€™s great throne, and add a new star to the blue.G7 F C D7 C7I€™ll watch o€™er the baby and tend him with care and each night by his bedside I€™ll kneelC E7 F C G7 CAnd if tears do not stop me I€™ll sing him to sleep in mem€™ry of you dear old pal.
All your big stakes and treasures I placed them away to me they mean more than a world and the baby€™s first curl to your picture I€™ve tend in mem€™ry of you dear old pal.
Well the wind blows cold in New York City along about the middle of now
And I'm telling you I'd be a happy man if I could get away somehow
Cause I'm growing old before my time finally I see the light
But if it costs a dime to get around the world I couldn't get out of sight
But if I ever get back to Georgia there'll be no messin' around
If I ever get back to Georgia I'm gonna nail my feet to the ground
[ guitar ]
Well the buildings here in New York City grow so doggone tall
Sometimes you can walk for a couple of days and never see the sun at all
So I left last night I was homeward bound now I wanna sit and I cry
Cause I stuck out my thumb till my thumb got numb and the cars went right on by
But if I ever get back to Georgia...
[ piano ]
Well I guess my time in New York City hasn't been a total waste
Cause I met a little girl from a social world and really put her in her place
When she sold me half of the Brooklyn Bridge I hung around just for spite
And I played this part till I won her heart and I bought the other half last night
But if I ever get back to Georgia...
At the close of the day when the sun sinks away below the western sea
Then I'll seek my rest in a little love nest built for Carrie Anita and me
A big mora's chair awaits for me there beside a bright log fire
My babe at my knee and my wife sings with me while I srtum on my old guitar
In fact we're as happy as happy can be every evening just Carrie Anita and me
[ ac.guitars ]
Everything may go wrong as I pull all day long but when the shadows fall
Then the cares of the day slip softly away as I hear that old home call
I'm headin' out on the rails that's been carryin' the mail
That's been tellin' your troubles to me
You told me a lie for every crosstie from Frisco to old Tennessee
Nobody knew your little game everybody gave me the blame
In the smoke and the fog of this old switchyard
And that dreary whistle's farewell
Bid the folks goodbye told 'em not to cry
I'd only be gone for a spell
I'm playin' in this game to win and when I find you I'm movin' in
[ guitar ]
Tried to make me believe I was the one that deceived
That I drove you to the things you've done
Said you loved me in vain and our old love train
Had made it's final run
And in your letter you said you were gonna be wed
Your little joke was fine but that old bunch a line
Didn't register with me
So you'd better get loose from your other caboose
And meet this old SP
I'm speedin' in tonight you'd better treat your daddy right
Better get on the ball I'm not aimin' to stall
And those ramblers are runnin' on time
So tell your new date that he'd better vacate
Get out on the old main line
I took it with a grin but baby now I'm movin' in
[ fiddle ]
That big loud bell id ringin' to tell that the station is comin' in sight
As the cure we're roundin' my heart is poundin'
With the thought of seein' you tonight
It's been so doggone long you know you've done your daddy wrong
In the noise of the crowd I hear you callin' aloud
Standin' in the station door
You set a two timin' pace but I've won the race
And you can't go roamin' no more
Your little story was away too thin baby now I'm movin' in
Though you have refused to see me my dear
You'd rather I'd be all alone
Still I can't forget the kisses we knew
And the days when I called you my own
But you found another and you loved him too
My heart is broken I'm sad and I'm blue
I am sorry we met it's so hard to forget
The days that used to be
[ guitar ]
Though you found another...
And though you weren't true I still think of you
And your memory is so dear to me
Written by Chuck Glaser
Recorded by Hank Snow
Don't come to me with tears in your eyes just because he couldn't be true
And expecting me to sympathize I'm not at all sorry for you
You know I realize all that you been through
Because you treated me just the way he's treating you
It's too late now to stop worryin' you I'm not at all sorry for you
Do you remember the tears that I cried on the light you said he were true
Like the tears that you now try to hide I'm not at all sorry for you
You know I realize...
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
Keep movin' on
Somewhere a telephone is ringing right now
Someone's old sweetheart is on the line
She's calling to patch up an old love affair
Oh I wish it was mine
Somebody's writing a letter right now
And saying Lawd oh I was blind
Somebody's darling longs to come home
Oh I wish it was mine
But you never write me and you never phone
There's somebody else on your mind
And somebody's heart is glad you don't love me
Oh I wish it was mine
[ guitar ]
But you never write me...
[ instrumental ]
How many arms have held you and hated to let you go
How many how many I wonder but I really don't want to know
How many lips have kissed you and set your soul aglow
How many how many I wonder but I really don't want to know
So always make me wonder always make me guess
And even if I ask you darling don't confess
Just let it remain me your secret but darling I love you so
No wonder no wonder I wonder no I really don't want to know
[ guitar ]
One morning as I rambled down by the sea shore
The wind it did whistle and the waters did roar
I heard of fair maiden make a pitiful sound
It sounded so lonesome in the waters around
I never will marry I'll be no man's wife
I expect to live single all the days of my life
My love's gone and left me the one I adore
She's gone where I'll never see her anymore
She plunged her fair body in the waters so deep
She closed her pretty blue eyes in the waters to sleep
I never will marry I'll be no man's wife
I expect to live single all the days of my life
The shells in the ocean shall be my death bed
Tonight as I lay on a boxcar just waiting for a train to pass by
What will become of the hobo whenever his time comes to die
Has the Master up yonder in heaven got a place that we might call our home
Will we have to work for a living or must we continue to roam
Will there be any freight trains in heaven any boxcars in which we might hide
Will there be any tough cops and brakemen will they tell us that we cannot ride
Will the hobo chum with the rich man will we always have money to spare
Will they hand respect for a hobo in that land that lies hidden up there
[ fiddle - ac.guitar ]
I hate to see night shadows fall I hate to see a moon above
For it brings me dreams of days gone by
When my darling Lola Lee strolled along the shore with me
And we watched the golden river glide on by
Golden River Golden River you took my love from me
On your waves of golden hue you carried her with you
And broke my heart a million million ways
[ guitar ]
Now I sit and wonder why I feel so blue and want to cry
While I watch the moon climb slowly in the sky
It was on a night like this when she gave me her last kiss
Climbed in her birch canoe and sailed away
A time to be reaping a time to be sowing
The green leaves of summer are calling me home
It was good to be young then in the season of plenty
When the catfish are jumping as high as the sky
A time just for plantin' a time just for plaughin'
A time to be courtin' a girl of your own
Twas so good to be young then to be close to the earth
And to stand by your wife at the moment of birth
(A time just for plantin' a time just for plaughin'
A time just for livin' a place for to die)
Twas so good to be young then to be close to the earth
Now the green leaves of summer are calling me home
Twas so good to be young then to be close to the earth
Now the green leaves of summer are calling me home
The green leaves of summer are calling me home
correct variant
A time to be reaping a time to be sawing
The green leaves of summer are calling me home
It was good to be young then in the season of plenty
When the catfish are jumping as high as the sky
A time just for plantin' a time just for ploughin'
A time to be courtin' a girl of your own
'Twas so good to be young then to be close to the earth
And to stand by your wife at the moment of birth
A time to be reapin' a time to be sawin'
The green leaves of summer are calling me home
'Twas so good to be young then with the sweet smell of apples
And the owl in the pine tree akinking his eye.
A time just for planting a time just for ploughin'
A time just for living a place for to die
'Twas so good to be young then to be close to the earth
You put your heart upon an auction block and sold it
Selfish greed and envy were the auctioneers
The highest bidder won your heart but he can't hold it
Love that's bought with gold can only end in tears
The price I offered was my true love and devotion
But you laughed and said that love had had its day
When at your feet I laid a heart filled with emotion
You scorned the only price that I could pay
[ guitar - fiddle ]
May the golden price he paid you for your love dear
Keep you with him may you never drift apart
Cause at the auction of regret all tears are worthless
Bids are low for second-handed broken hearts
When all your wealth and riches cease to give you pleasure
When you tire of playing princess you'll recall
That love alone is life's true everlasting treasure
[ instrumental ]
Something about you mama that sure gives me the blues
Something about you mama that sure gives me the blues
It ain't your drop stich stockings it ain't your blue buckle shoes
You know pretty mama I'm bound to love you some
You know pretty mama I'm bound to love you some
Cause I've done more for you than anybody ever done
(You know it baby)
[ fiddle ]
Got me a pretty mama got me a bulldog too
Got me a pretty mama got me a bulldog too
My pretty mama don't love me but my bulldog do
[ trumpet + clarinet ]
There's been a groundhog rootin' round my yard at night
There's been a groundhog rootin' round my yard at night
For the way my mama been treatin' me he must be rootin' all right
(Lord he must be rootin' all night)
Well I ain't no cheap man don't try to fool no girls
I ain't no cheap man don't try to fool no girls
It's my regular lovin' that gets me by in this world
My Grandfather's Clock was too big for the shelf
So it stood 90 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 run again
When the old man died.
Ninety years without slumbering,
Tick tock, tick tock.
Ninety years numbering,
Tick tock, tick tock.
But it stopped, short, never to run again
A good gal is hard to find you always get the other kind
And when you think you've got the best in the land
You look around and see her flirtin' with some other man
And then you rave and then you crave to see her lying in her grave
So guys be wise take my good advice
Hug her every mornin' kiss her every night
Give her lots of lovin' man and treat her right
Cause a good girl nowadays is hard to find
[ horns ]
Gonna find me a bluebird let him sing me a song
Cause my heart's been broken much too long
Gonna chase me a rainbow through a heaven of blue
Cause I'm all through crying over you
There was a time my love was needed
My life completed my dreams come true
Then came the time my life was haunted
My love unwanted all for you
[ vibes ]
Glory hallujah we are marching on
(As we sing this song and it won't be long)
The man of Galilee will set us everyone free
So get in the gloryland march
There is an army that is marching onto victory
The Captain is a man from Galilee
They've all been saved and their souls set free
By the blood of the Lamb on calvary
So won't you join in the Spirit and be saved today
Get on your knees and pray
Help lead the wrong to right come join in the fight
And get in the gloryland march
Glory hallujah we are marching...
[ steel - fiddle - guitar ]
Blessed is the army that will follow God
Longing for His kingdom as we onward trod
Waiting for that moment when we leave the sod
To live in peace forever in the presence of God
He will give us power over man and sin we'll shout and enter in
We'll hear the victory ring when we've found our Saviour King
So get in the gloryland march
Glory hallujah we are marching...
In an old dusty attic of a tenement house I happened to wander one day
And there on the rafters neath shavings and chips a drunkard's poor little boy lay
Oh why are you lying up here in the cold what makes you lie on this hard bed
My father's a drunkard and he beat me today my darling old mother is dead
I'm hiding from father and please sir don't tell he beat me cause I would not steal
He said he would kill me the next I failed and I'm so afraid sir he will
I'm leaving you here son I sadly replied but I will be back right away
But when I returned to the attic I found that Jesus had been there that day
The chips and the shavings were there as before and the little boy lie on his bed
With tears on his cheeks and his hands at his side the poor little fellow was dead
A picture of mother lay close to his heart a faint little note by his head
As I opened the paper my eyes filled with tears vor these were the words that I read
I'm hiding with Jesus across the divide with dear mother forever I'll dwell
My father is a drunkard my mother she is dead
And I am just an orphan child no place to lay my head
All through this world I wander they drive me from their door
Someday I'll find a welcome on heaven's golden shore
Now if to me you'll listen I'll tell a story sad
How drinking rum and the gambling hell have stole away my dad
My mother she is in heaven where God and the angels smile
And now I know she's watching her lonely orphan child
[ vibes - guitar ]
(We were once so happy and had a happy home
Till daddy went to drinking rum and then he gambled some)
He left my darling mother she died of a broken heart
And as I tell my story I can see your teardrops start
Don't weep for me and mother although I know it is sad
But try to find someone to cheer and save my poor lonely dad
I'm awful cold and hungry she closed her eyes and sighed
Allá en el rancho grande ("Ah yen el rancho granday")
Allá donde vívía ("All ya don day vi vee ya")
Hablá una rancherita ("Hab yoona rancha rita")
Que alegre me decía ("Kell yegra meh deh chee ya")
Que alegre me decía: ("Kell yegra meh deh chee ya")
"Te voy hacer unas calzones
comos los que esa el ranchero
Los comenzo de lana
y los acabo de hierro."
(2 FIDDLE SOLOS)
I'd love to roam out yonder,
Out where the buffalo wander...
(Yee hee hee)
Free as the eagle flyin,
I'm ropin' and a-tyin', I'm ropin' and a tyin'...
Yippee my ranch and my cattle,
Far from the great city's rattle,
You'll be a big herd to battle,
For I just love herdin' cattle.
(2 FIDDLE SOLOS)
Allá en el rancho grande
Allá donde vívía
Hablá una rancherita
Que alegre me decía
Que alegre me decía.
Beneath the moon tonight
I kneel close to my darling's side,
Her eyes in death forever closed,
My sweet and future bride.
Beside some lonely river bank,
Where the weeping willow grow,
I'll ease my aching heart tonight,
Down where the dark waters flow.
I planted on her new made grave
A tender rose with care,
To bloom thru' all the lonely years
While she is lying there.
I'll place one tender kiss of love
Upon that budding rose,
And bid my world of cares goodbye
A laughing baby boy one evening in his play
He disturbed the household with his noisy glee
Well I warned him to keep quiet but he soon would disobey
For he would soon forget a word from me
Then I called him to my side and said son you must go to bed
For your conduct has been very very rude
With quivering lips and tear filled eyes he pleaded then with me
Don't make me go to bed papa and I'll be good
(Don't papa and I'll be good don't papa and I'll be good)
That's what I heard him say and it haunts me night and day
Don't make me go to bed papa and I'll be good
Our lives have just been gladdened by his bright ascending beam
Our boy now in our hearts was very dear
Well I hastened to his bed and found him talking in his sleep
He didn't seem to know that we were near
So I took him in my arms and found his body raked with pain
To ease his pain we did the best we could
It broke my heart to hear him cryin' so loudly in his sleep
Don't make me go to bed papa and I'll be good
(Don't papa and I'll be good...
All night and day we watched and prayed and we never left his side
To give him up it seemed we never could
It broke my heart to hear him saying just before he died
Don't make me go to bed papa and I'll be good
(Don't papa and I'll be good...
[ instrumental ]
He remembers the first time he met her he remembers the first thing she said
He remembers the first time he held her and the night that she came to his bed
He remembers her sweet day of saying honey has something gone wrong
He remembers the fun and the teasin' and the reason he wrote her this song
I'll give you a daisy a day dear I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still and the four winds we know blow away
They would walk down the street in the evening and for years I would see them go by
And their love that was more than the clothes that they wore
Could be seen in the gleam in their eyes
As a kid they would take me for candy and I'd love to go tagging along
We'd hold hands while we walked to the corner
And the old man would sing her his song
I'll give you a daisy...
[ fiddle ]
Now he walks down the street in the evening and he stops by the old candy store
And I somehow believe he's believing he's holding her hand like before
For he feels all her love walking with him and he smiles at the things she might say
Then the old man walks up to the hilltop and he gives her a daisy a day
I'll give you a daisy...
I don't care how dark and drear my way may be I won't mind the cross to bear
For I know in God's own time he'll set me free
But this I pray dear Lord remember me
Remember me when tears are falling down remember me when there's trouble all around
And, Oh down at the river of Jordan, when calling the roll oh Lord remember me
I won't mind although some bitter lots be mine and will bear them uncomlainingly
I decided come what may I'll follow Thee but this I pray dear Lord remember me
I won't mind though I may go through waters deep still his own my prayer shall be
If I'm right I know I'll gain the victory but this I pray dear Lord remember me
Remember me when tears...
A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon
The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune
Back at the bar in a solo game sat Dangerous Dan McGrew
And watching his luck was his light of love the lady that's known as Lou
When out of the night which was fifty below and into the din and the glare
There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks dog dirty and loaded for bear
He looked like a man with a foot in the grave and scarcely the strength of a louse
Yet he tilted a poke of dust on the bar and he called for drinks on the house
There was none could place the stranger's face though we searched ourselves for a clue
But we drank his health and the last to drink was Dangerous Dan McGrew
There's men that somehow just grip your eyes and hold them hard like a spell
And such was he and he looked to me like a man who had lived in hell
With a face most hair and the dreary stare of a dog whose day is done
As he watered the green stuff in his glass and the drops fell one by one
Then I got to figgering who he was and wondering what he'd do
And I turned my head and there watching him was the lady that's known as Lou
His eyes went rubbering round the room and he seemed in a kind of daze
Till at last that old piano fell in the way of his wondering gaze
The rag-time kid was having a drink there was no one else on the stool
So the stranger stumbles across the room and flops down there like a fool
In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat and I saw him sway
Then he clutched the keys with his talon hands my God but that man could play
Were you ever out in the great alone when the moon was awful clear
And the icy mountains hemmed you in with a silence you most could hear
With only the howl of a timber wolf and you camped there in the cold
A half-dead thing in the stark dead world clean mad for the muck called gold
While high overhead green yellow and red the North Lights swept in bars
Then you've got a hunch what the music meant hunger and night and the stars
And hunger not of the belly kind that's banished with bacon and beans
But the gnawing hunger of lonely men for a home and all that it means
For a fireside far from the cares that are four walls and a roof above
But oh! so cramful of cosy joy and crowned with a woman's love
A woman dearer than all the world and true as Heaven is true
God how ghastly she looks through her rouge the lady that's known as Lou
Then all of a sudden the music changed so soft that you scarce could hear
But you felt that your life had been looted clean of all that it once held dear
That someone had stolen the woman you loved that her love was a devil's lie
That your guts were gone and the best of you was to crawl away and die
Twas the crowning cry of a heart's despair and it thrilled you through and through
I guess I'll make it a spread misere said Dangerous Dan McGrew
The music almost died away then it burst like a pent-up flood
And it seemed to say repay repay and my eyes were blind with blood
The thought came back of an ancient wrong and it stung like a frozen lash
And the lust awoke to kill to kill then the music stopped with a crash
And the stranger turned and his eyes they burned in a most peculiar way
In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat and I saw him sway
Then his lips went in in a kind of a grin and he spoke and his voice was calm
And boys says he you don't know me and none of you care a damn
But I want to state and my words are straight and I'll bet my poke they're true
That one of you is a hound of hell and that one is Dan McGrew
Then I ducked my head and the lights went out and two guns blazed in the dark
And a woman screamed and the lights went up and two men lay stiff and stark
Pitched on his head and pumped full of lead was Dangerous Dan McGrew
While the man from the creeks lay clutched to the breast of the Lady that's known as Lou
These are the simple facts of the case and I guess I ought to know
They say that the stranger was crazed with hooch and I'm not denying it's so
I'm not so wise as the lawyer guys but strictly between us two
A long black engine keeps a rolling along its wheels goin' clickety-clack
She's carrying me to war that eastern seaboard Louisiana I ain't comin' back
And I sit all alone in an empty box listen to the engine roar
And I see the world that she oughta be seen
Through a crack in the boxcar door
[ guitar ]
A hobo's life is a lonely life and I'm restless son of a gun
So I'll keep a riding these ribbons of steel and wait for my setting sun
And I sit all alone...
[ guitar ]
The engineer is pulling her down and I reckon we ain't going to stop
And I'll be a dodgin' the man with a stick I hear him a walkin' on top
And I sit all alone...
[ guitar ]
Most folks think I'm a crazy man at all of hoboes like me
But I let the bottle that holds all the world and I'll die happy and free
And I reckon I'll die in an empty box listen to the engine roar
I'll take the last long look at ther world that I love
Through a crack in this boxcar door
I'll take the last long look at ther world that I love
There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold
The Arctic trails have their secret tales that would make your blood run cold
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights but the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee
Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee where the cotton blooms and blows
Why he left his home in the South to roam round the Pole God only knows
He was always cold but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell
Though he'd often say in his homely way that he'd sooner live in hell
On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail
Talk of your cold through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail
If our eyes we'd close then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see
It wasn't much fun but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee
And that very night as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow
And the dogs were fed and the stars o'er head were dancing heel and toe
He turned to me and Cap says he I'll cash in this trip I guess
And if I do I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request
Well he seemed so low that I couldn't say no then he says with a sort of moan
It's the cursed cold and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone
Yet taint being dead it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains
So I want you to swear that foul or fair you'll cremate my last remains
A pal's last need is a thing to heed so I swore I would not fail
And we started on at the streak of dawn but God! he looked ghastly pale
He crouched on the sleigh and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee
And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee
There wasn't a breath in that land of death and I hurried horror-driven
With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid because of a promise given
It was lashed to the sleigh and it seemed to say you may tax your brawn and brains
But you promised true and it's up to you to cremate those last remains
Now a promise made is a debt unpaid and the trail has its own stern code
In the days to come though my lips were dumb in my heart how I cursed that load
In the long long night by the lone firelight while the huskies round in a ring
Howled out their woes to the homeless snows oh God! how I loathed the thing
And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow
And on I went though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low
The trail was bad and I felt half mad but I swore I would not give in
And I'd often sing to the hateful thing and it hearkened with a grin
Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge and a derelict there lay
It was jammed in the ice but I saw in a trice it was called the Alice May
And I looked at it and I thought a bit and I looked at my frozen chum
Then Here said I with a sudden cry is my crematoreum
Some planks I tore from the cabin floor and I lit the boiler fire
Some coal I found that was lying around and I heaped the fuel higher
The flames just soared and the furnace roared such a blaze you seldom see
And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal and I stuffed in Sam McGee
Then I made a hike for I didn't like to hear him sizzle so
And the heavens scowled and the huskies howled and the wind began to blow
It was icy cold but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks and I don't know why
And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky
I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear
But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near
I was sick with dread but I bravely said: I'll just take a peep inside
I guess he's cooked and it's time I looked then the door I opened wide
And there sat Sam looking cool and calm in the heart of the furnace roar
And he wore a smile you could see a mile and he said please close that door
It's fine in here but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm
Since I left Plumtree down in Tennessee it's the first time I've been warm
There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold
The Arctic trails have their secret tales that would make your blood run cold
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights but the queerest they ever did see
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee
The black smoke stack was barking the steam made them pistons groan
And behind that screaming whistle you could hear that engine moan
The train was reeling and rocking the passangers were screaming with fear
For the train was being driven by a crazy engineer
I'm driving this engine up to the moon he laughed as the train sped on
Then from the lips of the mad man came a crazy railroad song
[ guitar ]
Then out from the blind crept Hobo Bill he was stealing a ride that day
I've rode the blinds on many a train they never traveled this way
He climbed over the bend into the engine cab those passangers lives to save
Then while he fought with the mad man his weary life he gave
(Poor Bill spoke in a whisper this was all they could hear)
I've rode my last railroad ride with a crazy engineer
Within my prison cell so dreary alone I sit with weary heart
I'm thinking of my lonely darling from her forever I must part
(A rose she sent him as a token she sent it just to light his gloom)
To tell me that her heart is broken to cheer me fore I meet my doom
She wrote I took it from the garden where once we wandered side by side
But now you hold no hope of pardon and I can never be your bride
[ vibes - guitar ]
(The judge would not believe his story the jury said he had to pay)
Now to the rose and all its glory not guilty is all that I can say
Goodbye sweetheart for in the morning I'll meet my Maker and repose
And when I'll go at daylight dawning against my heart they'll find your rose
From up the frozen northland, to the bitter covered clime
Theres a train that comes a rollin' every year at Christmas time
All the kids are in their glory, when the snow begins to fall
cause they know its bringin' Santa Clause and the Christmas Cannonball
It takes from the North Pole, with a jingle and a roar
its partly run by reindeer, till it gets to Baltimore,
If you hear the cry of timber coming out of Montreal
You can start to look for Santa Clause and the Christmas Cannonball
Its loaded down with nice things
from a doll to fancy toys
and its bringing all the presents
to the good little girls and boys
so listen to your mothers
do the things she wants you to
if you can't be good till christmas
then its just too bad for you
take it easy with your cryin'
and be careful one and all
cause its almost time for Santa Claus
and the Christmas Cannonball
Christmas roses to you I'm sending
May they bring the Christmas joy though we're apart
Christmas roses will say I love you as the tender message echoes from my heart
Though I can't be with you on this Christmas Day
Remember that I'll always love you though I'm far away
Christmas roses to you I'm sending
May they bring the Christmas joy though we're apart
[ piano + ac.guitar ]
Got an old slouch hat got my roll on my shoulder
I'm as free as the breeze and I'll do as I please just a bummin' around
Got a million friends don't feel any older
I've got nothin' to lose I leave 'em the blues just a bummin' around
Whenever worries start to bothering me
I grab my coat my old slouch hat hit the trail again you see
I ain't got a dime don't care where I'm goin'
I'm as free as the breeze and I'll do as I please just a bummin' around
[ ac.guitar ]
(Whenever worries start to bothering me
I grab my coat my old slouch hat hit the trail again you see)
I ain't got a dime don't care where I'm goin'
Instrumental
So the bright lights beckon you again
And took you back and fill your life with sin
I knew they'd never really set you free
I knew again you'd soon be leaving me
Yes I was waiting for the call of wild
Knowing I'd be crying like a child
Knowing you were mine for just a while
Tell again you've heard the call of the wild
Tempting calls were just as strong for you
You couldn't leave the things you used to do
Though you gave all your love I couldn't win
The wild life has called you back again
Written by Ned Miller - Zella Asmussen
Recorded by Hank Snow
On days like this we would linger by the ocean
Then we would dream as we lay there side by side
I don't know why but one day you got the notion
To sit and watch for the changing of the tide
And then he came just to ask a foolish question
But jealousy in my heart I could not hide
Though I don't believe it was really your intention
In your eyes I saw the changing of the tide
Now you're gone from me all you left to me is the restless sea to keep me company
Now I'm here alone where we used to be together
I can't forget guess I never really try
Fool that I am I'll go on and on forever just watching for the changing of the tide
(And that's why there's a Christmas Day)
When I was but a youngster Christmas meant one thing
That I'd be getting lots of toys that day
I learned a whole lot different when mother set me down
And taught me to spell Christmas this way
C is for the Christ Child born upon that day H's for Herald Angels in the night
R means our redeemer I means Israel S is for the star that shone so bright
T is for three wise men they who travelled far M's for the manger where he lay
A's for all he stands for S means shepherds came
And that's why there's a Christmas Day
[ ac.guitar ]
Tired of life all alone and blue
Happiness I never knew
In this cold world there's nothing for me
Now won't you hear my only plea
And bury me deep where the sun doesn't shine
Because sunshine I've never known
Dig down deep where the ground is cold
Dark and cold and all alone
[ vibes ]
You were my love only love I knew
And tonight I find I can't have you
Trouble and tears are all that I see
Now you are gone please hear my plea
(Bury me deep where the sun doesn't shine
Because sunshine I've never known)
Dig down deep where the ground is cold
Born to be happy but always so sad
Born to be good but always so bad
Born to be somebody with faith in all I do
Born to be happy but lost without you
Without you my anchor's gone my ship will wander on
Like a gambler's money his money has no home
Born to be lucky but I alway lose
Born to be happy but lost without you
[ fiddle - guitar ]
If you listen a story I'll tell you of a girl who once lived in this land
A girl who once was my sweetheart she was known as the Blue Velvet Band
On her cheeks was the first flush of nature her beauty it seemed to expand
Her hair hung down in long tresses tied back with a blue velvet band
I can still see those tears as we parted of my heart broken blue velvet band
As I left her I told her I'll never come back to my home again
Five years in the wide open spaces was all that my poor heart could stand
Every night as I lay on my pillow I would dream of my Blue Velvet Band
[ steel ]
Then one night as I lay down dreaming of home and poor mother and dad
Like a flash by my bedside was standing the form of my Blue Velvet Band
I started next day for my darling just to go back and make her my bride
But as I reached the old country depot they told me my sweetheart had died
They laid her to rest in the churchyard midst the sweet summer flowers of the land
On her finger was the ring I had bought her on her head was a blue velvet band
Here I am with you, in a world of blue,
While we're dancing to the tan-go we loved when first we met.
While the music plays, I recall the days,
When our love was a turn that we couldn't soon forget.
As I kiss your cheek, we don't have to speak,
The vio-lins like a choir ex-press the de - sire,
We used to know, not long ago.
So just hold me tight, in your arms to - night,
I'll have a 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 that blue heartache starts hurtin'
You'll be doing alright with your Christmas of white but I'll have a blue blue Christmas
[ ac.guitar ]
This is the tale that was told to me by the man with the crystal eye
As I smoked my pipe in the camp-fire light and the Glories swept the sky
As the Northlights gleamed and curved and streamed and the bottle of hooch was dry
A man once aimed that my life be shamed and wrought me a deathly wrong
I vowed one day I would well repay but the heft of his hate was strong
He thonged me East and he thonged me West he harried me back and forth
Till I fled in fright from his peerless spite to the bleak bald-headed North
And there I lay and for many a day I hatched plan after plan
For a golden haul of the wherewithal to crush and to kill my man
And there I strove and there I clove through the drift of icy streams
And there I fought and there I sought for the pay-streak of my dreams
So twenty years with their hopes and fears and smiles and tears and such
Went by and left me long bereft of hope of the Midas touch
About as fat as a chancel rat and lo! despite my will
In the weary fight I had clean lost sight of the man I sought to kill
Twas so far away that evil day when I prayed to the Prince of Gloom
For the savage strength and the sullen length of life to work his doom
Nor sign nor word had I seen or heard and it happed so long ago
My youth was gone and my memory wan and I willed it even so
It fell one night in the waning light by the Yukon's oily flow
I smoked and sat as I marvelled at the sky's port-winey glow
Till it paled away to an absinthe gray and the river seemed to shrink
All wobbly flakes and wriggling snakes and goblin eyes a-wink
'Twas weird to see and it wildered me in a queer hypnotic dream
Till I saw a spot like an inky blot come floating down the stream
It bobbed and swung it sheered and hung it romped round in a ring
It seemed to play in a tricksome way it sure was a merry thing
In freakish flights strange oily lights came fluttering round its head
Like butterflies of a monster size then I knew it for the Dead
Its face was rubbed and slicked and scrubbed as smooth as a shaven pate
In the silver snakes that the water makes it gleamed like a dinner-plate
It gurgled near and clear and clear and large and large it grew
It stood upright in a ring of light and it looked me through and through
It weltered round with a woozy sound and ere I could retreat
With the witless roll of a sodden soul it wantoned to my feet
And here I swear by this Cross I wear I heard that floater say
I am the man from whom you ran the man you sought to slay
That you may note and gaze and gloat and say revenge is sweet
In the grit and grime of the river's slime I am rotting at your feet
The ill we rue we must e'en undo though it rive us bone from bone
So it came about that I sought you out for I prayed I might atone
I did you wrong and for long and long I sought where you might live
And now you're found though I'm dead and drowned I beg you to forgive
So sad it seemed and its cheek-bones gleamed and its fingers flicked the shore
And it lapped and lay in a weary way and its hands met to implore
That I gently said poor restless dead I would never work you woe
Though the wrong you rue you can ne'er undo I forgave you long ago
Then wonder-wise I rubbed my eyes and I woke from a horrid dream
The moon rode high in the naked sky and something bobbed in the stream
It held my sight in a patch of light and then it sheered from the shore
It dipped and sank by a hollow bank and I never saw it more
This was the tale he told to me that man so warped and gray
Ere he slept and dreamed and the camp-fire gleamed in his eye in a wolfish way
That crystal eye that raked the sky in the weird Auroral ray
Now wouldn't you expect to find a man an awful crank
That's staked out nigh three hundred claims and every one a blank
That's followed every fool stampede and seen the rise and fall
Of camps where men got gold in chunks and he got none at all
That's prospected a bit of ground and sold it for a song
To see it yield a fortune to some fool that came along
That's sunk a dozen bed-rock holes and not a speck in sight
Yet sees them take a million from the claims to left and right
Now aren't things like that enough to drive a man to booze
But Hard-Luck Smith was hoodoo-proof he knew the way to lose
Twas in the fall of nineteen four leap-year I've heard them say
When Hard-Luck came to Hunker Creek and took a hillside lay
And lo! as if to make amends for all the futile past
Late in the year he struck it rich the real pay-streak at last
The riffles of his sluicing-box were choked with speckled earth
And night and day he worked that lay for all that he was worth
And when in chill December's gloom his lucky lease expired
He found that he had made a stake as big as he desired
One day while meditating on the waywardness of fate
He felt the ache of lonely man to find a fitting mate
A petticoated pard to cheer his solitary life
A woman with soft soothing ways a confidant a wife
And while he cooked his supper on his little Yukon stove
He wished that he had staked a claim in Love's rich treasure-trove
When suddenly he paused and held aloft a Yukon egg
For there in pencilled letters was the magic name of Peg
You know these Yukon eggs of ours some pink some green some blue
A dollar per assorted tints assorted flavors too
The supercilious cheechako might designate them high
But one acquires a taste for them and likes them by and by
Well Hard-Luck Henry took this egg and held it to the light
And there was more faint pencilling that sorely taxed his sight
At last he made it out and then the legend ran like this
Will Klondike miner write to Peg Plumhollow Squashville Wis
That night he got to thinking of this far-off unknown fair
It seemed so sort of opportune an answer to his prayer
She flitted sweetly through his dreams she haunted him by day
She smiled through clouds of nicotine she cheered his weary way
At last he yielded to the spell his course of love he set
Wisconsin his objective point his object Margaret
With every mile of sea and land his longing grew and grew
He practised all his pretty words and these I fear were few
At last one frosty evening with a cold chill down his spine
He found himself before her house the threshold of the shrine
His courage flickered to a spark then glowed with sudden flame
He knocked he heard a welcome word she came his goddess came
Oh she was fair as any flower and huskily he spoke
I'm all the way from Klondike with a mighty heavy poke
I'm looking for a lassie one whose Christian name is Peg
Who sought a Klondike miner and who wrote it on an egg
The lassie gazed at him a space her cheeks grew rosy red
She gazed at him with tear-bright eyes then tenderly she said
Yes lonely Klondike miner it is true my name is Peg
It's also true I longed for you and wrote it on an egg
My heart went out to someone in that land of night and cold
But oh I fear that Yukon egg must have been mighty old
I waited long I hoped and feared you should have come before
I've been a wedded woman now for eighteen months or more
I'm sorry since you've come so far you ain't the one that wins
But won't you take a step inside I'll let you see the twins
I took a contract to bury the body of blasphemous Bill MacKie
Whenever wherever or whatsoever the manner of death he die
Whether he die in the light o' day or under the peak-faced moon
In cabin or dance-hall camp or dive mucklucks or patent shoon
On velvet tundra or virgin peak by glacier drift or draw
In muskeg hollow or canyon gloom by avalanche fang or claw
By battle murder or sudden wealth by pestilence hooch or lead
I swore on the Book I would follow and look till I found my tombless dead
For Bill was a dainty kind of cuss and his mind was mighty sot
On a dinky patch with flowers and grass in a civilized boneyard lot
And where he died or how he died it didn't matter a damn
So long as he had a grave with frills and a tombstone epigram
So I promised him and he paid the price in good cheechako coin
Which the same I blowed in that very night down in the Tenderloin
Then I painted a three-foot slab of pine here lies poor Bill MacKie
And I hung it up on my cabin wall and waited for Bill to die
Years passed away and at last one day came a squaw with a story strange
Of a long-deserted line of traps way back of the Bighorn range
Of a little hut by the great divide and a white man stiff and still
Lying there by his lonesome self and I figured it must be Bill
So I thought of the contract I'd made with him and I took down from the shelf
The swell black box with the silver plate he'd picked out for hisself
And I packed it full of grub and hooch and I slung it on the sleigh
Then I harnessed up my team of dogs and was off at dawn of day
You know what it's like in the Yukon wild when it's sixty-nine below
When the ice-worms wriggle their purple heads through the crust of the pale blue snow
When the pine trees crack like little guns in the silence of the wood
And the icicles hang down like tusks under the parka hood
When the stove-pipe smoke breaks sudden off and the sky is weirdly lit
And the careless feel of a bit of steel burns like a red-hot spit
When the mercury is a frozen ball and the frost-fiend stalks to kill
Well it was just like that that day when I set out to look for Bill
Oh the awful hush that seemed to crush me down on every hand
As I blundered blind with a trail to find through that blank and bitter land
Half dazed half crazed in the winter wild with its grim heartbraking woes
And the ruthless strife for a grip on life that only the sourdough knows
North by the compass North I pressed river and peak and plain
Passed like a dream I slept to lose and I waked to dream again
River and plain and mighty peak and who could stand unawed
As their summits blazed he could stand undazed at the foot of the throne of God
North aye North through a land accurst shunned by the scouring brutes
And all I heard was my own harsh word and the whine of the malamutes
Till at last I came to a cabin squat built in the side of a hill
And I burst in the door and there on the floor frozen to death lay Bill
Ice white ice like a winding-sheet sheathing each smoke-grimed wall
Ice on the stove-pipe ice on the bed ice gleaming over all
Sparkling ice on the dead man's chest glittering ice in his hair
Ice on his fingers ice in his heart ice in his glassy stare
Hard as a log and trussed like a frog with his arms and legs outspread
I gazed at the coffin I'd brought for him and I gazed at the gruesome dead
And at last I spoke Bill liked his joke but still goldarn his eyes
A man had ought to consider his mates in the way he goes and dies
Have you ever stood in an Arctic hut in the shadow of the Pole
With a little coffin six by three and a grief you can't control
Have you ever sat by a frozen corpse that looks at you with a grin
And that seems to say you may try all day but you'll never jam me in
I'm not a man of the quitting kind but I never felt so blue
As I sat there gazing at that stiff and studying what I'd do
Then I rose and I kicked off the husky dogs that were nosing round about
And I lit a roaring fire in the stove and I started to thaw Bill out
Well I thawed and I thawed for thirteen days but it didn't seem no good
His arms and his legs stuck out like pegs as if they were made of wood
Till at last I said it ain't no use he's froze too hard to thaw
He's obstinate and he won't lie straight so I guess I got to saw
So I sawed off poor Bill's arms and legs and I laid him snug and straight
In the little coffin he picked hisself with the dinky silver plate
And I came nigh near to shedding a tear as I nailed him safely down
Then I stowed him away in my Yukon sleigh and I started back to town
So I buried him as the contract was in a narrow grave and deep
And there he's waiting the Great Clean-up when the the Judgment sluice-heads sweep
And I smoke my pipe and I meditate in the light of the Midnight Sun
And sometimes I wonder if they was the awful things I done
And as I sit and the parson talks expounding of the Law
I often think of poor old Bill and how hard he was to saw
Beyond the reef where the sea is dark and cold
My love has gone and my dreams grow old
There'll be no tears there'll be no regretting
Will she remember me will she forget
I'll send a thousand flowers where the trade winds blow
I'll send my lonely heart for I love her so
Someday I know she'll come back again to me
Till then my heart will be beyond the reef
[ steel ]
(I'll send a thousand flowers where the trade winds blow)
I'll send my lonely heart for I love her so
(Someday I know she'll come back again to me)
Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Adios amigo adios my friend
The road we have traveled has come to an end
When two love the same love one love has to lose
And it's you who she longs for it's you she will choose
Adios compadre what must be must be
Remember to name one muchacho for me
I ride to the Rio where my life I will spend
Adios amigo adios my friend
[ guitar ]
Adios compadre let us shed no tears
May all your mananas bring joy through the years
Away from those mem'ries my life I must spend
I waited each day for your letter although I knew what it would cost
But dear when it came I knew that your game
Had been won and I knew that I had lost
But I just couldn't open your letter I know you're no longer my own
The moment it came I wrote beneath my name
These heart-breaking words address unknown
[ piano ]
I wanted to open your letter to see if you missed me sometimes
But you have a way of making me pay
Cause I know what you write between the lines
You know I'd be so glad to see you in spite of the hurt you have done
But deep down inside I can't lose my pride
And forgive you just because you are the one
Oh dear I'm so sad and heart broken waiting in my prison cell
To be trialed for the death of sweet blossom my baby that I loved so well
Last night as I drank in the barroom through the front door my little girl came
I watched as she slowly approached me and trembled as she spoke my name
My mind was wounded from drinking as I looked on her face sweet and fair
I thought that a demon approached me for I strucked her down with my chair
In a flash with my reason returning in pride I looked down at my feet
And saw not the foam of a demon but my little blossom so sweet
[ clarinet ]
I gathered her close to my bossom her life was fast fading away
Dear God I have murdered my baby and now with my life I must pay
I'm thinking tonight of that June day I walked down the aisle with my bride
When I promised to love and protect her she then was my joy and my pride
But soon I had started to drinking and now I've brought death to our home
Oh why must the innocence suffer and then reap just what they have sown
I pray to my Maker in Glory for this deed I might be forgiven
And I hope that the circle I broken will soon be mattered in heaven
I talked with a stranger so sad and forlorn
His garments were sack cloth all tattered and town
He told me a story of sorrow and woe
His heart went to heaven at the first fall of snow
He spoke of his angel a dear baby girl
He loved every footstep he loved every curl
But she went to heaven just one year ago
The angels came for her at the first fall of snow
He still have the dolly that she used to love
He held and caressed it and he gazed up above
He whispered my darling you're waiting I know
I'll bring you your dolly at the first fall of snow
[ fiddle ]
And there as I listened then my eyes filled with tears
I knew she was part of his happier years
His frail body trembled he spoke soft and low
I'll be with my darling at the first fall of snow
I just couldn't tell him how I felt inside
I patted his shoulder my feelings to hide
He smiled as we partred cause he didn't know
Any old time you wanna come back home
Drop me a line and say no more you´ll roam
You had your chance to play this game fair
When you left me sweetheart you only left a world of care
Now that you're down I'll stick by you
only if you will tell me , your roamin' days are through
You'll find me right here like the day you left me alone
Any old time you wanna come back home
[ trumpet + clarinet ]
Written by Mel Tillis and Wayne P. Walker
Recorded by Hank Snow
All the time yes darling all the time tenderly constantly I'll love you
Every day I'll prove it every day in happiness or in loneliness I'll love you
Other arms may tempt me but don't let that bother you
For even if they tempt me I'll never be untrue
All the time yes darling all the time
Through the years through smiles or tears I'll love you
Written by Don Gibson
Recorded by Hank Snow
If heartaches brought fame in love's crazy game I'd be a legend in my time
If they gave gold statues 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 a heart that's been broken over love that's in vain
If loneliness meant world acclaim then everyone would know my name
I'd be a legend in my time
(But they don't give awards...
He remembers the first time he met her
He remembered the first thing she said
He remembered the first time he held her
And the night that she came to his bed
He remembers her sweet way of sayin'
Honey has something gone wrong
He remembered the fun and the teasin'
And the reason he wrote her this song
CHORUS
I'll give you a daisy a day dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
And the four winds we know blow away
They would walk down the street in the evening
And for years I would see them go by
And their love that was more than the clothes that they wore
Could be seen in the gleam in their eyes
As a kid they would take me for candy
And I'd love to go taggin' along
We'd hold hands while we walked the corner
And the old man would sing her this song
CHORUS
I'll give you a daisy a day dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
And the four winds we know blow away
Now he walks down the street in the evening
And he stops by the old candy store
And I somehow believe he's believin'
He's holdin' her hand like before
For he feels all her love walkin' with him
And he smiles at the things she might say
Then the old man walks up to the hill top
And gives her a daisy a day
CHORUS
I'll give you a daisy a day dear
I'll give you a daisy a day
I'll love you until the rivers run still
Out in the west Texas town of El Paso I fell in love with a Mexican girl
Nighttime would find me in Rosa's Cantina music would play and Feleena would whirl
Blacker than night were the eyes of Feleena wicked and evil while casting a spell
My love was deep for this Mexican maiden I was in love but in vain I could tell
One night a wild young cowboy came in wild as the west Texas wind
Dashing and daring a drink he was sharing with wicked Feleena the girl that I loved
So in danger I challenged his right for the love of this maiden
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
My challenege was answered in less than a heartbeat
The handsome young strager lay dead on the floor
Just for a moment I stood there in silence shocked by the foul evil deed I had done
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there
I had but one chance and that was to run
Out to the backdoor of Rosa's I ran out where the horses were tied
I caught a good one it looked like it could run up on its back and away I did ride
Just as fast as I could from the west Texas town of El Paso
Out to the badlands of New Mexico
Back in El Paso my life would be worthless everything's gone in life nothing is left
It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fear of death
I saddled up and away I did go riding alone in the dark
Maybe tomorrow a bullet would find me
Tonight nothing's worse than this pain in my heart
And at last here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso I can see Rosa's Cantina below
My love is strong and it pushes me onward down off the hill to Feleena I go
Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys off to my left ride a dozen or more
Shouting and shooting I can't let them catch me
I have to make it to Rosa's backdoor
Something is dreadfuly wrong for I feel a deep burning pain in my side
Though I am trying to stay in the saddle I'm gettin' weary unable to ride
But my love for Feleena is strong and I rise where I've fallen
Though I am weary I can't stop to rest
I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle I feel the bullet go deep in my chest
From out of nowhere Feleena has found me kissing my cheeks as she kneels by my side
Now Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts oh Lord how they could love
Swore to be true to each other true as the stars above
He was her man but he wasn't doin' her wrong
Non Frankie went down to the corner just for a bucket of beer
She said Mr Bartender has my loving Johnny been here
He's my man he wouldn't do me wrong
I don't want to cause you no trouble woman I ain't gonna lie
But I saw your lover an hour ago with a gir named Nellie Blie
He's your man but he's doin' you wrong
Now Frankie looked over with transom she saw to her susrprice
There on the cab sat Johnny making love to Nellie Blie
He's my man but he's doin' me wrong
Frankie went back to comoda took out her little 44
Rutty too-too three times she shot right through that hardwood door
Shot her man he was doin' her wrong
[ ac.guitar ]
Now bring out your rubber tied hearses bring out the rubber tied hatch
I'm taken said the man to the graveyard but only six of 'em called him back
He was my man but he done me wrong
Bring round a thousand policemen bring 'em around today
To lock me down in that dungeon cell and throw that key away
I shot my man he was doin' me wrong
Now Frankie she said to the warden what are they goin' to do
The warden he said to Frankie it's the electric chair for you
You shot your man he was doin' you wrong
Now this story has no moral this story has no end
This story just goes to show that there ain't no good in man
His hands paint the flowers he puts leaves on the trees
At his whisper birds start singing when my heart needs melodies
Why I strayed from all his goodness my poor mind can't understand
I'm to blame for my misfortune I lost hold of his hands
Those hands that gave me mercy when I'm wrong as wrong can be
If they really gave me justice I'd be lost on homeless sea
I've been lost in the shuffle I've obeyed the wrong command
I'm going back to the chapel in search of his hands
[ guitar ]
I was sittin' at home just a-listenin' to my radio
An' along came a fella who apparently had been on the go
Well, he started in a-braggin' 'bout ev'rywhere he'd been
And there isn't any place in this whole world he hasn't seen
You ask me where I've been, an' I'm a-going to tell you, Pard
Why, I ain't even been outside the gate in my backyard
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I didn't want to go, so
I guess I'll never know, Joe
An old stick in the mud, Bud
I ain't been anywhere
I ain't seen London, Paris, Washington, Chicago,
Bombay, Mandalay, Calgary, Cashmere,
Thailand, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland,
Halifax, Poland, Switzerland, Scotland,
Liverpool, Dry Gulch, Tombstone, Moscow,
Carlsbad, Leningrad, Stalingrad, too bad!
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I didn't want to go, so
I guess I'll never know, Joe
An old stick in the mud, Bud
I ain't been anywhere
Siam, Amsterdam, Oslo, Rotterdam,
Birmingham, Tokyo, Melbourne, Saigon,
Trinidad, Hong Kong, Florida, Reykjavik,
Copenhagen, Berlin, Congo, Key West,
Petersburg, Wallisburg, Cherbourg, Luxemburg,
Chalush, Toronto, Cripple Creek, I am sick!
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I didn't want to go, so
I guess I'll never know, Joe
An old stick in the mud, Bud
I ain't been anywhere
Kumquat, Limerick, Inverness, Loch Ness,
Swansea, Cuanda, Colombo, Gold Coast,
Edinburgh, Singapore, Galveston, Okinawa,
Blarney, Killarney, Karachi, Pyongyang,
Warsaw, Tarancón, Down, Libya,
Goose Bay, Labrador, Outer Space, no place!
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I didn't want to go, so
I guess I'll never know, Joe
An old stick in the mud, Bud
I ain't been anywhere
Ohio, Toledo, Wexford, Frankfurt,
Silverton, Norfolk, Alamo, Sabula,
Brighton, Kiowa, Denmark, Dover,
Chalis, Rio, Lima, Philippines,
Hebrides, Hawaii, Portland, Cleveland,
Leipzig, Laramie, Horsehair, nowhere!
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I ain't been anywhere, Joe
I didn't want to go, so
I guess I'll never know, Joe
An old stick in the mud, Bud
I ain't been anywhere
SPOKEN: Wait a minute! Horsehair!
Why, doggone it, that's my hometown
So I guess I must 'a' been there, huh?
I've forgotten you I know that's true
Except when it's raining or when there's sun
I don't remember you you never make me blue
Except when I'm all alone or with someone
I've forgotten you I know that's true
Except when it's night time or when it's day
I don't remember you you never make me blue
Except when I'm lonely or when I'm gay
[ fiddle - guitar ]
I never think of you you'd never make me blue
Except when you're on my mind and dear that's all the time
I've forgotten you and I've found someone new
I don't remember your little lies
I've forgotten you I know that's true
On a quiet summer day long ago and far away
Two tiny tots their game of play did end
As they gazed into the sky where the lazy clouds go by
The little girl said let's just play pretend
Let's pretend those clouds are islands in the sky
Let's pretend that we're up there just you and I
Let's pretend that no one knew where to find us in the blue
Let's pretend that dreams come true as years go by
Now today as long years glide do they wander side by side
And just a trail into that dreamland wind
Do they still recall the day when she turned to him to say
Darling take my hand and let's pretend
What a strange world we live in what a shame oh what a shame
Someone's always quarrelin' then marriage don't remain
Divorces by the thousands is this human race insane
I always thought that marriage should be a sacred thing
Married by the Bible divorced by the law
Everyday there's more and more the worst I ever saw
Things have changed they're not the same as the days of ma and pa
They were married by the Bible no divorced by the law
Steps are often taken without thinking twice
And oft times a child or two who left to pay the price
Those little hearts so innocent they don't know who's to blame
No mom and dad to love them what a shame oh what a shame
Married by the Bible...
The next voice you hear will be your conscience
As you lie awake and try so hard to sleep
And your unfaithful heart will have to listen
To those shabby little secrets that you keep
You'll be tormented like you tormented me
And the tears of shame will fall with every memory
But the next voice you hear will make you listen
Till you wish that you had listened to me
[ piano - guitar ]
You'll be tormented...
So blue so lonesome too but still true
Roses haunt me made 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 through loveland we'd wander sweetheart
Telling love stories anew
Then from the blue sky a dark cloud came rolling
Breaking my heart in two
But we vowed not to part I've said from the start
You're the one rose that's left in my heart
[ steel + fiddle ]
Sitting alone in an old rockin' chair
I saw an old mother with silvery hair
She seemed so neglected by those who should care
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Her hands were caloused and wrinckled and old
A life full of hard work was the story they told
And I've thought of angels as I saw her there
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
Bless her old heart do you think she'd complain
Though life has been bitter she'd live it again
And carry that cross that is more than her share
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
[ piano ]
(It wouldn't take much just to gladden her heart
Just some small re-embrace on somebody's heart)
A letter would brighten her empty life there
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
I know some youngsters in an orphan's home
Would think they owned heaven if she were their own
They'd never be willing till let her sit there
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
I look at her and I think what a shame
The ones who forgot her she loves just the same
And I think of angels as I see her there
Rocking alone in an old rockin' chair
(It's the Streamlined Cannonball)
A long steel rail and a short crosstie I'm on my way back home
I'm on the train the king of them all the Streamlined Cannonball
For she glides along like a cannonball like a star on its heavenly flight
This lonesome sound of the whistle you love as she travels through the night
Her headlight gleams out into the night her firebox flash you see
The blinds I ride and the lights I love are home sweet home to me
For she glides along...
(The lonesome sound of the whistle you love it's the Streamlined Cannonball)
I can see the smile of an engineer although he's old and gray
A contented heart he awaits back home of the Streamlined Cannonball
I got a letter from the court this morning,
Filled with big words lawyers seem to use
They say that you have 'cused me of neglect, dear
And with trembling hand I am writing you.
The party of the second part is very sad and blue
And wonders if the party of the first part is lonely too
The party of the second partwould give the world to win
The party of the first part back again.
They say that I have wronged you and the're right dear
I took for granted love so sweet and true
But I have learned through many sleepless nights dear
The party of te second part loves you.
The party of the second part is very sad and blue
And wonders if the party of the first parts lonely too,
The party of the second part would give the world to win
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St Martinique
When she goes a strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St Martinique.
Hey what is she doin' and who is she wooin' that's what we'd all like to know
Buyin' papyas while all of our eyes are on her from her head to toe
And who is she winin' and who is she dinin' down in her shack by the sea
Nobody knows it and she never shows it she's spreadin' her table for me.
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St Martinique
When she goes a strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St Martinique.
--- Instrumental ---
Who is she seein' how cruel she is bein' about our secret affair
No one suspects me she even protects me from men knowin' I'm goin' there
I schetch the features while she sweetly teaches me how to pour rum over ice
She tries to hide it and I don't confide it but my love the lady is mine.
Here she comes the mysterious lady from St Martinique
When she goes a strollin' the eyes are all rollin' at her for a peek
When she goes a walkin' the island starts talkin' admiring the golden physique
Of the mysterious lady from St Martinique.
I was standing by the window yesterday morning,
Without a thought of worry or of care,
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway,
With such a happy look and jolly air.
cho: As I heard the postman whistling yester morning,
Coming down the pathway with his pack,
Oh he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black.
Oh, he rang the bell and whistled while he waited,
And then he said "Good morning to you, Jack."
But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black.
With trembling hand I took the letter from him,
I broke the seal and this is what it said:
"Come home, my boy, your dear old father wants you!
Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead!"
"The last words that your mother ever uttered ---
'Tell my boy I want him to come back,'
My eyes are blurred, my poor old heart is breaking,
For I'm writing you this letter edged in black."
I bow my head in sorrow and in silence,
The sunshine of my life it all has fled,
Since the postman brought that letter yester morning
Saying,"Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead!:"
"Those angry words, I wish I'd never spoken,
You know I never meant them, don't you, Jack?
May the angels bear me witness, I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black."
Note. The Letter Edged In Black, written by Hattie Nevada, but
the authorship being forgotten, moved into the folk tradition.
It was recorded by Vernon Dalhart (as Al Craver) for Columbia
in November 1925; but perhaps the most popular country version
of the song was recorded by Kentucky balladeer Bradley Kincaid,
Glory hallujah we are marching on
(As we sing this song and it won't be long)
The man of Galilee will set us everyone free
So get in the gloryland march
There is an army that is marching onto victory
The Captain is a man from Galilee
They've all been saved and their souls set free
By the blood of the man on calvary
So won't you join in his army and be saved today
Get on your knees and pray
Have please the wrong to right and join in the fight
So get in the gloryland march
Glory hallujah we are marching...
[ steel - fiddle - guitar ]
Blessed is the army that will follow God
Fighting for the kingdom as we onward trod
Waiting for the morning when we leave the sod
Do live and be forever in the presence of God
He will give us power over mend our sins we'll shout and enter in
You'll hear the victory ring we'll find a Saviour King
So get in the gloryland march
The days are long, I'm a-weary I ain't sayin' a word
The days are long, I'm a-weary I ain't sayin' a word
You left me blue as night
Blues all round my head (I sure miss you, honey)
I thought my day was commin' man, I'm feelin' so bad
I thought my day was commin' man, I'm feelin' so bad
But things have changed somehow
I wish that I was dead (can't live no how)
(Yodel)
It seems that old man worry just ain't treatin' me fair
It seems that old man worry just ain't treatin' me fair
Can't even sleep at night
The blues is everywhere (gee, I'm lonesome)
The world can keep on turnin' sun can stay in the sky
The world can keep right on a-turnin' sun can stay in the sky
Don't mean a thing to me
I'll worry till I die (I can see it commin')
Now if perchance your pathway leads you down to the end
Now if perchance your pathway leads you on down to the end
(Well listen, honey)
You'll find a worried man
Awaitin' your return
The black smoke stack was barking the steam made them pistons groan
And behind that screaming whistle you could hear that engine moan
The train was reeling and rocking the passangers were screaming with fear
For the train was being driven by a crazy engineer
I'm driving this engine up to the moon he laughed as the train sped on
Then from the lips of the mad man came a crazy railroad song
Then out from the blind crept Hobo Bill he was stealing a ride that day
I've rode the blinds on many a train they never traveled this way
He climbed over the bend into the engine cab those passengers lives to save
Then while he fought with the mad man his weary life he gave
(Poor Bill spoke in a whisper this was all they could hear)
He was just a Texas cowhand,
One that knew his stuff
His eyes were black,
His face was tan,
His hands were broad and rough.
(Yodel)
Tough as an old buzzsaw,
All the boys stayed shy
For they all knew his aim was true
He'd shoot at the wink of an eye.
One night with grass plains around us,
He met with a rustlers band
As the flames leaped high on his old camp fire,
He fell with a gun in his hand.
We rolled out of bed the next morning,
We dug a grave in the sand
When we found stretched out on the ground
This brave and lonely cowhand.
We buried him on the prairie,
Wrapped in an old cowhide
By the light of the moon we wrote on his tomb
Within my prison cell so dreary
I sit alone with achin' heart
I'm dreamin' of my little darlin'
From her forever, I must part
The rose she sent me as a token
She sent it just to lighten my gloom
And tell me that her heart was broken
And cheer me before I meet my doom
She wrote I picked it from the garden,
Where once we wandered side by side.
Now you hold no hope of pardon,
And I can never be your bride.
The judge would not believe my story
The jury said I had to pay
And with the rose in all its glory
"Not guilty" was all that I could say
Goodbye, sweetheart, for in the morning
To meet my Maker I must go
And when I die at daylight's dawnin'
Against my heart they'll find this rose
Within my prison cell so dreary
I sit alone with achin' heart
I'm dreamin' of my little darlin'
From up the frozen northland
To the bitter covered clime
There's a train that comes a rollin'
Every year at Christmas time.
All the kids are in their glory,
When the snow begins to fall
'Cause they know it's bringin' Santa Clause
And the Christmas Cannonball
It takes from the North Pole
With a jingle and a roar
It's partly run by reindeer
Till it gets to Baltimore.
If you hear the cry of timber
Coming out of Montreal
You can start to look for Santa Clause
And the Christmas Cannonball.
It's loaded down with nice things
From a doll to fancy toys
And it's bringing all the presents
To the good little girls and boys.
So listen to your mothers
Do the things she wants you to
If you can't be good till christmas
Then it's just too bad for you.
Take it easy with your cryin'
And be careful one and all
'Cause it's almost time for Santa Claus
On days like this we would linger by the ocean
When we would dream as we lay there side by side
I don't know why but one day you got the notion
To sit and watch for the changing of the tide.
And then he came just to ask a foolish question
But jealousy in my heart I could not hide
Though I don't believe it was really your intention
In your eyes I saw the changing of the tide.
--- Instrumental ---
Now you're gone from me all you left to me
Is the restless sea to keep me company
Now I'm here alone where we used to be together
I can't forget guess I never really try.
Fool that I am I'll go on and on forever
Just watching for the changing of the tide
(Fool that I am I'll go on and on forever)
A cowboy with his sweetheart stood beneath a starlit sky
Tomorrow he was leaving for the lonesome prairie wide
She said "I'll be your lovingbride when you return someday"
He handed her a broken ring and to her he did say
"You'll find upon that ring sweetheart my name engraved in gold
And I shall keep the other half which bears your name you know."
He went away to ride and toil this cowboy brave and bold
But long he stayed and while he strayed the maiden's love grew cold.
Three years had passed, he did not some, and Nell will wed tonight
Her father said an Earl would make her happy home so bright
The lights were gaily glowing as they stood there side by side
"Let's drink a toast to this young man and to his lovely bride."
Just then there stood within the door a figure tall and slim
A handsome cowboy was their guest and slowly he walked in
"I'll drink with you a toast." said he, and quickly in her glass
He dropped his half of wedding ring, then anxiously he watched.
She tipped her glass and from her lips a ring fell shining bright
The token she had longed to see lay there beneath the light
"Though years have been between us dear, love won our last long fight,
I was singin' the blues and now I'm shoutin' hooray,
'cause I met a pretty mama and I met her today.
Well, her eyes started cheatin', my heart started beatin' aloud,
like the rhythmatic motors of the Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
Now, the Flying Cloud is a luxury liner,
it flies from San Diego down to Carolina,
then she boogies to Georgia and back to old Alabam.
No use denyin' makin' love when you're flyin' is grand.
She's a silber comet, ev'ry engine in tune;
she boogied us out 'neath the silvery moon.
The stars started blinkin' when my baby started thinkin' aloud.
And told me that she loved me on Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
Well, I hugged my baby and we started to kiss;
the Flying Cloud's motors all started to miss.
She jumped in to jive as the crew started singin' a song.
And we headed for Dixie while the Flying Cloud boogied along.
When I told my baby a fortune I'd give 'er,
the big plane trembled and she started to quiver.
She headed for the sky then she swung and came on back down,
but we kept a lovin' as the Flying Cloud boogied around.
Wasn't takin' no chances 'cause I got a bit scary;
thought I'd wait till we landed then I'd ask her to marry,
but changed my mind as we boogied out over the line,
and I popped the question as the big Cloud boogied on time,
Well, she started to truck and then she jumped to hep;
she looped the loop but never lost a step.
When she started descendin' for a boogie woogie landin' I vowed
I'm preparin' my weddin' on the Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud.
When the big propellers they came to a stop,
my old heart inside me went flippity flop.
I took my baby and wandered out through the crowd
If you listen a story I’ll tell you,
Of a girl who once lived in this land;
A girl who was once my sweetheart,
She was know as The Blue Velvet Band.
On her cheeks was the first flush of nature,
Her beauty, it seemed to expand,
Her hair hung down in long tresses,
Tied back with a blue velvet band.
I can still see those tears as we parted,
Of my heart broken Blue Velvet Band;
As I left I told her I’d never
Come back to my old home again.
Five years on the wide open spaces
Was all that my poor heart could stand,
every night as I lay on my pillow,
I would dream of my Blue Velvet Band.
Then one night as I lay down dreaming
Of home and poor mother and dad,
Like a flash by my bedside was standing
The form of my Blue Velvet Band.
I started next day for my darling,
Just to go back and make her my bride;
But as I reached the old country depot,
They told my my sweet heart has died.
They laid her to rest in the churchyard,
Midst the sweet summer flowers of the land;
On her finger the ring I had bought her,
I gave my dog to Uncle Sam in 1943,
He sailed across the sea, and died for Liberty,
Now that you are sending Hero's home, I just can't understand,
Why don't you send my dog home Uncle Sam?
And 'though no more he'll lead me as he did in days of yore,
He'll never be a blind boy's pal no more,
But I know that he gets lonesome sleeping in some distant land,
Please won't you send my dog home Uncle Sam?
I gave my dog to Uncle Sam, he was so strong and smart,
We knew right from the start that we should do our part,
They wrote he died a hero, t'was in the telegram,
Please won't you send my dog home Uncle Sam.
He'll sleep beneath Old Glory, right here on Daddy's farm,
I'll be close by to keep him from all harm,
No one knows how much' miss him & how lonesome now I am,
I loved and laughed and had my fun
And went on to someone new
And now at last the game is done
And the bill is falling due
I took your love you gave me all
I gave nothing back to you
And now I find that I must pay
And the bill is falling due
I think I know how much I owe
Maybe more than I can pay
But the debt is mine no use to whine
For there is no other way
The dawn will soon be breaking now
And the party is all through
For all the damage I must pay
And the bill is falling due
Instrumental break
I think I know how much I owe
Maybe more than I can pay
But the debt is mine no use to whine
For there is no other way
The dawn will soon be breaking now
And the party is all through
For all the damage I must pay
Now wouldn't you expect to find a man an awful crank
That's staked out nigh three hundred claims, and every one a blank;
That's followed every fool stampede, and seen the rise and fall
Of camps where men got gold in chunks and he got none at all;
That's prospected a bit of ground and sold it for a song
To see it yield a fortune to some fool that came along;
That's sunk a dozen bed-rock holes, and not a speck in sight,
Yet sees them take a million from the claims to left and right?
Now aren't things like that enough to drive a man to booze?
But Hard-Luck Smith was hoodoo-proof--he knew the way to lose.
'Twas in the fall of nineteen four--leap-year I've heard them say--
When Hard-Luck came to Hunker Creek and took a hillside lay.
And lo! as if to make amends for all the futile past,
Late in the year he struck it rich, the real pay-streak at last.
The riffles of his sluicing-box were choked with speckled earth,
And night and day he worked that lay for all that he was worth.
And when in chill December's gloom his lucky lease expired,
He found that he had made a stake as big as he desired.
One day while meditating on the waywardness of fate,
He felt the ache of lonely man to find a fitting mate;
A petticoated pard to cheer his solitary life,
A woman with soft, soothing ways, a confidant, a wife.
And while he cooked his supper on his little Yukon stove,
He wished that he had staked a claim in Love's rich treasure-trove;
When suddenly he paused and held aloft a Yukon egg,
For there in pencilled letters was the magic name of Peg.
You know these Yukon eggs of ours--some pink, some green, some blue--
A dollar per, assorted tints, assorted flavors too.
The supercilious cheechako might designate them high,
But one acquires a taste for them and likes them by-and-by.
Well, Hard-Luck Henry took this egg and held it to the light,
And there was more faint pencilling that sorely taxed his sight.
At last he made it out, and then the legend ran like this--
"Will Klondike miner write to Peg, Plumhollow, Squashville, Wis.?"
That night he got to thinking of this far-off, unknown fair;
It seemed so sort of opportune, an answer to his prayer.
She flitted sweetly through his dreams, she haunted him by day,
She smiled through clouds of nicotine, she cheered his weary way.
At last he yielded to the spell; his course of love he set--
Wisconsin his objective point; his object, Margaret.
With every mile of sea and land his longing grew and grew.
He practised all his pretty words, and these, I fear, were few.
At last, one frosty evening, with a cold chill down his spine,
He found himself before her house, the threshold of the shrine.
His courage flickered to a spark, then glowed with sudden flame--
He knocked; he heard a welcome word; she came--his goddess came.
Oh, she was fair as any flower, and huskily he spoke:
"I'm all the way from Klondike, with a mighty heavy poke.
I'm looking for a lassie, one whose Christian name is Peg,
Who sought a Klondike miner, and who wrote it on an egg."
The lassie gazed at him a space, her cheeks grew rosy red;
She gazed at him with tear-bright eyes, then tenderly she said:
"Yes, lonely Klondike miner, it is true my name is Peg.
It's also true I longed for you and wrote it on an egg.
My heart went out to someone in that land of night and cold;
But oh, I fear that Yukon egg must have been mighty old.
I waited long, I hoped and feared; you should have come before;
I've been a wedded woman now for eighteen months or more.
I'm sorry, since you've come so far, you ain't the one that wins;
Oh dear I'm so sad and heart broken waiting in my prison cell
To be tried for the death of sweet blossom my baby that I loved so well
Last night as I drank in the barroom through the front door my little girl came
I watched as she slowly approached me and trembled as she spoke my name
My mind was wounded from drinking as I looked on her face sweet and fair
I thought that a demon approached me for I struck her down with my chair
In a flash with my reason returning in pride I looked down at my feet
And saw not the foam of a demon but my little blossom so sweet
I gathered her close to my bosom her life was fast fading away
Dear God I have murdered my baby and now with my life I must pay
I'm thinking tonight of that June day I walked down the aisle with my bride
When I promised to love and protect her she then was my joy and my pride
But soon I had started to drinking and now I've brought death to our home
Oh why must the innocence suffer and then reap just what they have sown
I pray to my Maker in Glory for this deed I might be forgiven
Look at you look at me just how different can we be
Day and night wrong and right that's you and me
I love you you love me but we love so differently
Yes and no stay and go that's you and me
You and me we just can't be close to each other
Everything is all mixed up in some way or other
I love you you love me but we love so differently
Black and white day and night that's you and me
[ guitar ]
I blame you you blame me and we go on constantly
Round and round up and down that's you and me
I tell you you tell me it's your fault that we disagree
Just the same you're to blame that's you and me
You and me we just can't be close to each other
Everything is all mixed up in some way or other
I tell you you tell me it's your fault that we disagree
But like turtle doves we're still in love that's you and me
Somewhere out there on the prairie alone my guardian angel devine
Is there at rest somewhere in the west that pioneer mother of mine
I'd give all I own today if someone would guide my way
To that hallowed spot where she's sleeping that pioneer mother of mine.
There is nothing left of her busy life
But the things she made when her days were full
A couple of rugs on the kitchen floor
And an afagan knitted out of bits of wool.
Her garden has a deserted look
And the weeds show up in the sunshine smile she is dead
And the things she fought run wild
And you stop and think was her life worth while.
But if you had known as well as I knew
The quiet good and the helping hand
And the neighborly warm big heart of hers
I think you would really understand.
That not all the people that we call great
Are really greatest in the end
And perhaps the finest thing in life
Is a homely common every day friend.
So the little life with the homely tasks
Has worked it's pattern and so goes on
What if the weeds grow rank again
And what if the flowers are dead and gone.
Ah, the little woman of small account
With the cheerful smile on her brave old face will never die
For the tide of years will produce her like to take her place.
I'd give all I own today if someone would guide my way
She was a young and pretty Coleman County farm girl
Never been more than fifty miles from home
I was just a drifter I was living off the land
Spent the summer on her daddy's farm
In the evening we'd walk along the railroad
We'd hear that lonesome whistle in the night
And she'd pretend we road the rails to Denver
Cause her head was full of flashin' neon lights
Twas that big old shiny diesel as it rounded Carter's bend
Was enough to make a young girl want to roam
She'd pretend she rode those shiny rails all around the world
And had the Texas Silver Zephyr bring her home
As summer work was over and restless got to me
I kept talkin' bout the places I would go
Then her young head got to spinnin' for the things she'd never seen
So she followed me to Denver in the fall
Then jobs got scarce in central Colorado
And then the winter nights got awful cold
Just one old army blanket was the only one we had
No money for the oil to run the stove
Yes that big old shiny diesel as it rounded Carter's bend
Was enough to make a young girl want to roam
But through all those hungry nights the only promise that I made
I had the Texas Silver Zephyr take her home
When she started feelin' bad she didn't tell me
She had a way of keepin' problems all her own
So I didn't know her troubles with the baby
Before I could get a doctor she was gone
Lord I know it's not the way she really wanted things to be
In her dreams she had a pullman all her own
But she'd be proud of me to know I kept my promise
And had the Texas Silver Zephyr take her home
Down in my dreams somehow it seems that I'm back where I belong
Just a country hick way back in the stick back where I was born
Cause the city lights and the city ways are drivin' me insane
I wanna be alone I wanna be back home out on the Texas plains
I wanna drink my java from an old tin can while the moon comes shinin' high
I wanna hear the call of a whippoorwill I wanna hear a coyote whine
I wanna feel my saddle horse between my legs just riding him out on the range
Just to kick him in the sides let him show his step and pride out on the Texas plains
I wanna hear the thunder as it goes and rolls I wanna feel the rain in my face
Just a thousand miles from the city lights living a cowboy ways
I wanna sleep at night beneath the stars above with that whole moon shinin' down
I wanna cook my grabbel with catfish skulls fifty miles from town
I wanna drink my java...
Sometime soon I'm goin' back back where the skies are blue
In a little house just built for two back where my dreams come true
Well I'm tired of subways and the forty storey shacks
I'm tradin' the wide open range
I wanna go back please take me back out on the Texas plains
I've got a tangled mind I've got a broken heart
Don't have a dime and my time is short
I got a gal somewhere I guess she thinks I'm dead
I'd go back home if I could clear my head
Cryin' cryin' all of the time
I've got a broken heart I've got a tangled mind
[ piano + guitar ]
I lost a million friends I'm trudgin' on in the dark
Can't find my way don't know where to start
I had a home one time I left it all behind
I can't go back I've got a tangled mind
(Cryin' cryin' all of the time)
I've a secret in my heart, Sweet Marie A tale I would impart, love to thee Ev'ry daisy in the dell Knows my secret, knows it well, And yet I dare not tell, Sweet Marie... Come to me, Sweet Marie, come to me Not because your face is fair, love to see But your soul so pure and sweet, Makes my happiness complete Makes me falter at your feet, Sweet Marie
Sweet hour of prayer sweet hour of prayer that calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known
In seasons of distress and grief my soul has often found relief
And oft escapes the tempter’s snare by Thy return sweet hour of prayer
[ strings ]
Sweet hour of prayer sweet hour of prayer Thy wings shall my petition bear
To him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless
And since he bids me seek his face believe his word and trust his grace
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 desert
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 stair to meet the day
I'd smoke my mind the night before with cigarettes and songs that I'd been picking
But I lit my first and watched the small kid playing with the can that he was kicking
Then I walked across the street and caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin' chicken
Lord it took me back to something that I'd lost somewhere somehow along the way
On the Sunday morning sidewalk I'm wishing Lord that I was stoned
Cause there's somethin' in a Sunday that makes a body feel alone
And there's nothin' sure to dying that's half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin' city sidewalk and Sunday morning coming down
[ guitar ]
In the park I saw a daddy with the laughin' 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 canyons like the disappearing dream of yesterday
Oh this is the place where the fishermen gather
Oil-skins and boots and the Cape hands batten down;
All sizes of figures with squid lines and jiggers,
They congregate here on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
Some are workin' their jiggers, while others are yarnin',
There's some standin' up and there's more lyin' down;
While all kinds of fun, jokes and drinks are begun,
As they wait for the squid on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
There's men of all ages and boys in the bargain,
There's old Billy Cave and there's young Raymond Brown;
There's Rip, Red and Gory out here in the dory,
A runnin' down squires on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
There's men from the harbor, there's men from the tickle,
And all kinds of motor-boats, green, gray and brown;
Right yonder is Bobby and with him is Nobby,
He's chawin' hard tack on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
God bless my soul, list to, there's Skipper John Champy,
He's the best hand at squid jiggin' here, I'll be bound;
Hello, what's the row? Why he's jiggin' one now,
The very first squid on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
The man with the whiskers is old Jacob Steele,
He's gettin' well on, but he's still pretty sound;
While Uncle Bob Hockins wears six pairs of stockin's
Whenever he's out on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
Holy Smoke! What a scuffle! All hands are excited,
It's a wonder to me that there's nobody drowned;
There's a bustle, confusion, the wonderful hustle,
They're all jiggin' squid on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
Says Barney, "The squids are on top of the water,
I just felt me jiggers jig five fathoms down
But a squid in the boat squirted right down his throat,
Now he's swearin'like mad on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
There's poor Uncle Louie, his whiskers are spattered
With spots of the squid juice that's flyin' around;
One poor little guy got it right in the eye,
But they don't give a darn on the Squid Jiggin' Ground.
Now, if you ever feel inclined to go squiddin',
Leave your white clothes behind in the town;
And if you get cranky without your silk hanky,
I met a girl in Laredo down in Mexico
While I was makin' the rounds
Down in a dim cafe she does the swing and sway
That's the talk of the town
I never learned her name but she's called the Spanish Fireball
While she kept rhythm with her hips from her ruby lips
Came a love song so sweet
And as she rhumbaed by the fire in her eyes
Looked like flames in the night
T'was then I understood why she's called the Spanish Fireball
I finally asked her for a dance and I got the chance
Holding her closely to me
As we were cheek to cheek I grew too weak to speak
And it was plain to see
That I had fallen in love with this cute little Spanish Fireball
[ guitar ]
She wore a ruby braclet and a blue white diamond
Upon her little brown hand
She made a perfect date and in her Cadillac eight
She made me understand
I played the part and gave my heart to the Spanish Fireball
We wandered out beneath the stars while the old guitars
Strummed a Mexican tune
And as I stole a kiss I knew too well that this
Would all end too soon
Cause I must go away and leave my Spanish Fireball
As that old moon was sinking low I heard the whistle blow
My train was pulling in sight
And so we kissed goodbye the tears were in her eyes
As I left in the night
I had to quit rail rollin' and it didn't agree at all
There was always something wrong with the Southern Cannonball
I once loved a maiden she was fair and tall
Her pa he was the engineer on the Southern Cannonball
[ fiddle ]
She promised she would wed me and we married in the month of June
And go to the magic island to spend our honeymoon
At last my dreams were shattered when she put me off of the stall
She said the whistle was broken on the Southern Cannonball
[ guitar ]
I loved this girl so dearly so I fixed the whistle back
The next thing she told me was the cabooses off of the track
But days and nights a labored to get this back off of a train
Always ready for my highball when the bell refused to ring
[ guitar ]
I fixed the bell in a jiffy and I called the preacher done
Who married us in the old boxcar for the train refused to run
We mede our home in a boomer shack I loved that southern sky
(Southbound)
Hear the clickety clack of the railroad track
Means the wheels are rollin' and I'm goin' back
To the girl I left in a rundown shack I'm southbound
As the miles rush by I miss her more and more
Tears in my eyes and my heart is sore
Soon I'll be a knockin' on her front door I'm southbound
Southbound to my baby southbound I'm nearly crazy
Gonna take her in my arms and never let her go
Never gonna leave her never ever anymore
Soon I'll be a knockin' on her front door I'm southbound
[ piano ]
Now the rhythm of the wheels call a memory
Every mile it comes a little closer to me
Soon it's gonna be reality I'm southbound
My heart keeps saying boy you made a mistake
Thought you was a rambler but you're only a fake
This'll be the last trip I'm a gonna make I'm southbound
Southbound to my baby...
[ piano ]
Now the night that I left her well she pleaded with me
I know that you're leavin' but it has to be
I'm hopin' that she is a waitin' for me I'm southbound
It's hard to wait till I can see her face
I still remember how her sweet lips taste
Not another day am I gonna waste I'm southbound
(Southbound to my baby southbound I'm nearly crazy)
Gonna take her in my arms and never let her go
Never gonna leave her never ever anymore
Soon I'll be a knockin' on her front door I'm southbound
Travelling the lonely roads of sorrow heartaches are all I've ever known
Time has turned a million pages fate has dealt and I'm alone
But somewhere along life's highway from your new love you may part
And you will reap the pains my darling that go with a broken heart
The little stars all twinkled brighter the moon smiled gaily from the blue.
The flowers seemed to spread more beauty oh so glad cause I met you
But somewhere along life's highway...
Though you've made my life a failure I have never been untrue.
And these lonely years have wasted all because my love for you
But somewhere along life's highway...
You played your game to leave me darling your game I did not understand
So you dealt the cards against me and I played the losing hand
The postman delivered a letter
and it filled her heart with great joy
But she didn't know till she read the inside
It was the last one from her darlin' boy
"Dear mom" was the way that it started
"I miss you so much" it went on
and mom I did't know that I loved you so
But I'll prove it when this war is won
I'm writing this down in a trench mom
Don't scold if it's not so neat
You know how you did when I was a kid
And came home with mud on my feet
The captain just gave us our orders
And mom we will carry them thru
i'll finish this letter the first chance I get
But for now I'll just say I love you
The mother's dear old hands began to tremble
As she fought back the tears in her eyes
But the tears came unashamed for there was no name
And she knew that her darlin' had died
That night as she knelt at her bedside
She prayed Lord above hear my plea
Protect every son that's fighting tonight
Always and always I'll love you forever
Oh it's so good to be back with you
The grass looks greener on the other side
I crossed over to the arms of someone new
Searching for something I had all the time
Oh it's so good to be back with you
So good to feel your arms around me again
So good to feel your heart beat with mine
All the bad times are gone I'll be yours from now on
Darling fate has been so kind
Nothing else matters we're together at last
And I know that you love me too
Always and always I'll love you forever
Oh it's so good to be back with you
Always and always I'll love you forever
Ducks flying south and the rich men also
Heading for the beaches where the warm Gulf winds blow
And I'm going too, I can hear that whistle cry.
'Cause I'm the kinda' bird that has to navigate
Tourist class on a southbound freight
But this snowbird's gonna' come back by and by
CHORUS
'Cause the ground's too cold for this poor boy's sandals
People won't stop so I can't panhandle.
So goodbye Denver I'll see you again next spring.
The cop on the beat even seems a little friendly
He knows this cold weather's gonna send me
South to Dixie the snowbird's on the wing.
My health's good enough, but my wardrobes thinner
If I don't head south I'm gonna' freeze this winter.
So the railroad line's gonna' have an unknown guest.
I'm gonna' vacate, but it's no vacation.
When the train pulls into some southern station
Well let me hear the sound of the Tennessee flat top
Ringin' off of the wall
Behind the ice water tones of a steel guitar
And a country fiddle walkin' tall
Let the drums and bass set a honky tonk pace
In every country song you sing
And let me hear that six string Tennessee flat top
Grand ole open hole ring
Let it ring out fine in a song about why
A cheatin' heart had caused some pain
About a black land farm, a pair of pretty arms
Or the whistle of a midnight train
Well country songs don't turn me on
Or send the blood a-rushin' through my veins
Unless I hear that six string Tennessee flat top
Grand old open hole ring
Well the bluegrass sound took a ride uptown
On the back of open hole rhythm
And all the big country stars wouldn't be where they are
Without the help that old flat top give 'em
Now I may be behind time but I know my own mind
Make my country music plain
And let me hear that six string Tennessee flat top
Grand old open hole ring
Well the bluegrass sound took a ride uptown
On the back of open hole rhythm
And all the big country stars wouldn't be where they are
Without the help that old flat top give 'em
Now I may be behind time but I know my own mind
Make my country music plain
And let me hear that six string Tennessee flat top
Grand old open hole ring
Let me hear that six string Tennessee flat top
Well I pulled outta Pittsburgh a rollin' down that Eastern Seaboard
I got my diesel wound up and she's runnin' like she never before
There's a speed zone ahead alright I don't see a cop in sight
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight
I got ten forward gears and the George overdrive
I'm taking little white pills and my eyes are open wide
I just passed a Jimmy in white I been passin' everything in sight
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight
Well it seems like a month since I kissed my baby goodbye
I could have a lotta women but I'm not like that some of them guys
I could find one to hold me tight but I could never make believe it's alright
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight
[ guitar ]
Well the ICC is a checkin' on down the line
I'm a little overweight and my log's three days behind
But nothin' bothers me tonight I could dodge all the scales alright
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight
Well my rig's a little old but that surely don't means she's slow
There's a flame from my stack and the smoke's a rollin' black as coal
My hometown's a comin' in sight if you think I'm happy you're right
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
Glories stream from heaven afar heavely hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born Christ the Saviour is born
[ organ ]
Silent night holy night son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace
Shopworn and aged what's left of a man
Will never be useless cause he's part of God's plan
Did you ever think of life as just a shop along the street
And yourself as a product displayed in easy reach
You laid there for some quite some time now and pondered at your fate
Then you begin to wonder if you'd hit the market late
Wealth had looked you over once and seen you at your best
But somehow you didn't fit his needs so he took one of the rest
Sweet love had read your label and you lingered in her mind
But competition caught her eye and she left you there behind
Fame had brushed the edges or the counter where you laid
And she pondered for a moment but then she walked away
Lady Luck had even picked you up but then you heard her say
I just can't afford you so I'll just have to let you lay
Then one day they marked you down put you up on sale
And you got looked over once again all to no avail
Now stained with yellow marked with age you heard a salesman state
Boss I guess I'll throw this out it's old and out of date
The keeper of the shop came then and he seemed to understand
He smiled and looked you over then held out a caring hand
Give me that I'll take it home don't throw it on the street
It's old and gray but in its way it'll help my shop complete
There’s a heart that is broken today
There is someone who waits far away
One who’s kneeling in prayer as she waits for me there
Asking that I might comeback some day.
Her hands are all wrinkled with care
The gold has all gone from her hair
How I long to caress her my mother God bless her
She’s a rose from the garden of prayer.
When I was a boy at her knee
She was more than a mother to me
As I gaze into space I can see her sweet face
As I stood by her old rocking chair.
When cares would impress on my brow
Or someone would turn me away
She would always be near me to comfort and cheer me
She’s a rose from the garden of prayer.
So I’m leaving and heading that way
To a mother so feeble and grey
Where she waits there alone in our Heaven called home
By the window she’s watching for me.
Soon my sorrows and troubles will end
Where all nature is blooming so fair
And I’ll rest in the arms of the one that is true
On a bright and sunny day when a young wife ran away
From a husband who had filled her heart with pain
On the table laid a note these simple words she wrote
Goodbye I hope we'll never meet again
To her mother she returned for her old home she had yearned
For all the love she had for him had pled
But he sought her out at last with her partners for the past
But her mother met him in the door and said
She was happy till she met you the fault is all your own
Id she wishes to forget you please leave her alone
She has come to her old mother because there is no other
She'll be happy in her home sweet home
[ fiddle - ac.guitar ]
I have come to say goodbye said the husband with a sigh
Just let me take her to my heart again
Says the mother it's too late all her love has turned to hate
So go your way your pleading heart's in vain
She's my wife the husband cried you can't take her from my side
The love I bet you part us we are wed
But the mother answered nay and sadly turned away
And once again to him she calmly said
Morning's come and Lord my mind is aching the sunshine's standing quietly at my door
Just like the dawn my heart is silently breaking
With my tears it goes tumbling to the floor
Once again this whole town will be talking Lord I've seen that pity thart's in their eyes
They'll never understand it's her sorrow and not a man
No matter what they say I know she tried
Baby has packed her soft things and she left me
But I just know she never meant to make me cry
It's not her heart it's just her mind she didn't mean to be unkind
Why she even woke me up to say goodbye
Rosalita my Rosalita
Are you waiting for me just as you promised me you would
Rosalita senorita Rosalita
I'd climb back tonight to you like a seagull if I could
The ship that I was stationed on docked on the shores of Spain
The night I met Rosalita I knew my heart could never be the same
Before the night was over she promised she would wait for me
We danced until the break of dawn I held her close and kissed her tenderly
Rosalita my Rosalita...
[ guitar ]
And then too soon the time had come for us to say goodbye
I left her on the shores of Spain she waved until my ship went out of sight
The sweet caresses that we shared within my lonely heart still burn
Longing for the time to come when I can say my love I have returned
The seasons come and go but in my heart I know
Weather it's rain or snow our dreams hold back
The seasons drift on by like clouds across the sky
But we both realize that shadows pass
I would never change or try to rearange a thing about you dear
I'll love you just the way you are through all the coming years
The seasons play their part and each one leaves its mark
But I know in my heart our love will last
[ steel ]
If I had a scale to measure love like a clock can measure time
And we put our love upon that scale would your's weigh as much as mine
Of late is seems your thoughts are far away
I doubt if you hear half the things I say
I'd be hurt if I knew just who you were thinkin' of
I'm so glad there's no scale to measure love
[ fiddle - guitar ]
Your kisses always thrilled me at the start
But now I wonder are they from your heart
I'd be sure if it's me that you were thinkin' of
Rough him up and shove him down make him cry when he comes around
Treat him any way you want after all he's just runt just a little runt
Runt is what they called him but his name was Buddy Grey
He lived out on Maple Street bout a mile away
Hand-me-downs were all he wore poverty and nothing more
Always someone laying for the runt
They catch him in the school year when he came out to play
Then get him in a circle where he couldn't get away
They'd shove him here and they'd shove him there
If he fell down nobody cared
Just anything to keep him scared the runt
Then one day walking home from school the teasing went just too far
They chased the runt out in the street nobody saw the car
They only heard that awful sound they saw the broken body on the ground
Then everybody gathered around the runt
They buried him on Sunday his classmates all were there
And the tears filled each and every eye when runt's mother said a prayer
Lord even though you've taken him I think I understand
He's finished the job you've sent him for and done it like you planned
If you made all people to look the same it just wouldn't be right I guess
So you put a few now and then like my little runt to bring others' happiness
His shortness makes others feel tall his weakness makes others feel strong
His features make others feel pretty and handsome
And his sadness brings others a song
So rough him up and shove him down make him cry when he comes around
Treat him any way you want but thank God for the runt
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donder and Blitzen
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it you would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names
They'd never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say
Rudolph with your nose so bright won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer you'll go down in history
Then one foggy Christmas Eve...
(He's ridin' home he's ridin' home)
Sun goes down work's all done evenin' cheer at last
Moon comes up behind the hills I love and I'm ridin' home I'm ridin' home
(See that lonesome cowboy ridin' down that lonesome trail)
Moonlight shadows sway into the tune of my lonesome way
Well I'm ridin' home I'm ridin' home
[ strings ]
Bed down doggies rest awhile I'll be back tomorrow morn
And take you down to where the waters flew but now I'm ridin' home I'm ridin' home
(See that lonesome cowboy ridin' down that lonesome trail)
Moonlight shadows...
I found something that money can't buy I found a goldmine beyond the blue sky
I found the land where I'll look when I die I found the Lord rich man am I
I found the Lord that's too sweet to tell I found the faith that's known so well
I found the life that I'll live till I die I found the Lord rich man am I
People may say that I'm dreamin' a bit but I like when I belive and not gonna quit
The Book told me that I'll live when I die I found the Lord rich man am I
[ guitar ]
I found the dream that surely come true I found the rainbow that's never turned blue
I found the land where teardrops are dry I found the Lord rich man am I
I found the song the angels can sing I found the way to be rich as a king
I found the love that will burn till I die I found the Lord rich man am I
People may say...
Ribbon of darkness over me since my true love walked out the door
Tears I never had before ribbon of darkness over me
Clouds are gathering o'er my head they chill the day and hide the sun
They shroud the night when day is done ribbon of darkness over me
Rain is fallin' on the meadow where once my love and I did lie
Now she's gone from the meadow my love goodbye
Ribbon of darkness over me where once the world was young as spring
Where clouds're blooming birds would sing ribbon of darkness over me
In this cold room lying don't want to see no one but you
Lord I wish I could be dying to forget you
How I wish your heart could see my mind just takes the breaks of day
Come on back and take away ribbon of darkness over me
Well come all you children give a listen to me
Let me tell you bout a new boogie beat
There's no hesitation it's sweepin' the nation
It's the Rhumba Boogie down the South American way
While Madame Lozonga was teachin' La Conga
In her little cabana in old Havana
We were doing the Charleston and Ballin' the Jack
Then that old black bottom till they started the Jitterbug rag
Then across the water came Cuban Pete
He started the boogie to the Rhumba Beat
It's the Rhumba Boogie let's give it a whirl
While he plays the Boogie in the South American style
[ guitar ]
Well you step out together then you circle around
Count one two three then put your right foot down
Then you circle your lady as you swing and you sway
To the Rhumba Boogie in the South American way
Now the guy responsible for leadin' the band
Yells do you stuff it's the best in the land
It's the Rhumba Boogie let's dance it a while
To the boogie woogie done the Rhumba Cuban all style
When that old piano it starts to ring
Everybody then starts to sing
To the Rhumba Boogie done the tropical style
It's the Rhumba Boogie and they're doin' it all of the while
[ piano ]
While Madame Lozonga was teachin' La Conga
In her little cabana in old Habana
The folks in old Mexico where doin' the tango
And we were steppin' to the rhythm of an old guitar
Till across the water came Cuban Pete
He started to boogie to the Rhumba beat
It's the Rhumba Boogie let's dance it a while
Return to me for my dear I'm so lonely
Hurry back hurry back oh my love I am yours hurry back
Return to me for my heart wants you only
Hurry home hurry home won't you please hurry home to my heart
My darling if I hurt you I'm sorry forgive me and please say you are mine
Return to me please come back al'a mia
Hurry back hurry home to my arms to my lips and my heart
Santa had a cup of coffee and he ate a little snack thru his pack right over his back
Open the windows of his little shack and shouted oh dasher and dancer
Vixen and blitzen come on here were gonna get a goin' and spread some cheer
So limber your legs and sharpen your hooves
Cause tonight is the night were gonna jump on the roof
So the reindeer they were so proud and grand to take another trip all over the land
They jumped right into thier proper place to get hepped up for that midnight race
[ ac.guitar ]
Ol' Santa he shook off the ice and snow boarded his sleigh and then yelled let's go
All the little toys were happy too cause they were so bright and new
A little piano then started to play ol' Santa began to swing and sway
Thought he heard a toy drum starting to beat
But he found it was just the rhythm of the reindeer feet
The reindeer boogied in the middle of the road tonight we have a mighty big load
Don't boogie to the left now boogie to the right
Do the reindeer boogie this Christmas eve night
[ piano ]
(Put your arms around me)
[ guitar ]
In the cold grey walls of a prison ragged with hate and fever he lay
A man who call for a loved one and over and over you say
Put your arms around me hold me close before we part
Let the warm sweet tears from your blue eyes
Ease the pain in my cold cold heart
[ vibes - guitar ]
They searched through his few possession for the name he was trying to call
But there wasn't a name or a picture no letter no nothing at all
(Put your arms around me let your cheek against my own)
Oh I wish I had someone to love me
Yes someone to call me their own
Oh I wish I had someone to sleep with
Cause I'm tired of sleeping all alone
Please meet me tonight in the moonlight
Please meet me tonight all alone
For I had a sad story to tell you
It's a story that's never been told
I'll be carried to the new jail tomorrow
Leaving my poor ol' darling all alone
With the cold prison bars all around me
And my head on a pillow of stone
Now I have a grand ship out on the ocean
All mounted with silver and with gold
And before my poor darling would suffer
That ship would be anchored and sold
Now if I had the wings of an angel
Over these prison walls I would fly
And I'd fly to the arms of my poor darling
And there I'd be willing to die
In my cell so dark and dreary
The touch of God's hand I can feel
Asking Him to please forgive me
Before Him pleading I will kneel
I know someday beyond the sunset
He'll call my name to make amends
Till that day I'll keep on praying
And ask that He forgive my sins
Recitation:
Must I spend my life without a goal
In the staleness of this baron hole
Must the ceiling always be my sky
Is this the way my youth must die
Could fate no better world arrange
Than gloomy walls that never change
No stars or moon to shine on high
Where the sun is such a stranger
Mind and soul are both in danger
With not to do but set inside
Is this the way my youth must die
This bare existence is not life
I'd rather live in pain and strife
My heart is tired but cannot cry
Is this the way my youth must die
My life is merely night and day
With food brought in upon a tray
To let me live but not to try
Is this the way my youth must die
Ahh God give me the open air
Give me hope and even care
Let me live God and let me try
Cause this is no way for youth to die
I know someday beyond the sunset
He'll call my name to make amends
Till that day I'll keep on praying
Into each life a love is born for one and one alone dear
The love I chose was surely not for me
All your poison love has stained the life blood in my heart and soul dear
And I know our love was never meant to be
All your poison love has stained the life blood in my heart and soul dear
And I know my life will never be the same
All my pleas and prayers have been in vain for you and you alone dear
And you know that you are guilty of a shame
But still my heart cries out for you and you alone my darling
And fate will never ever let me go
But my pleas and prayers have been in vain for you and you alone dear
And my better judgement tells me to say no
All your poison love has stained the life blood in my heart and soul dear
And I know my life will never be the same
All my pleas and prayers have been in vain for you and you alone dear
Pearly Shells,from the ocean.
shining in the sun,covering up the shore
When I see them my heart tells me that I love you,More than all the
little pearly shells.
For every grain of sand upon the beach,
I got a kiss for you.And I've got more left over,
for each star,that twinkles in the blue,h
Pearly Shells,from the ocean,shining in te sun,
covering up the shore,
When I see them,My heart tells me that I love you ,
More than all the little Pearly Shells
MUSIC
For every grain of sand upon the beach,
I've got a kiss for you,and I've got more left over,
for each star that twinkles in the blue.
Pearly Shells,from the ocean,shining in the sun.
covering up the shore,when I see them.
My heart tells me that I love you ,
more than all the little Pearly Shells
When it's peach picking time in Georgia apple picking time in Tennessee
Cotton picking time in Mississippi everybody picks on me
When it's roundup time in Texas the cowboys make whoopee
And way down in old Alabama it's gal picking time for me
There's the bluegrass down in Kentucky Virginia's where they do the swing
Carolina now I'm a coming to you come and just to spend the spring
Arkansas I hear you calling I know I'll see you soon
That's where we'll do some picking beneath the Ozark moon
[ fiddle ]
When the pickininees pick the cotton that's the time I pick a wedding ring
We'll go to the town to pick a little gown for the wedding in the spring
Hope the preacher knows his business I know he can't fool me
I'm travelin' down the lonesome road of sorrow
Paving the highway with tears
Without your love I face a blue tomorrow
Paving the highway with tears
You found another sweetheart that's why I couldn't stay
Though I still love you darling I'm only in your way
So step by step I walk away from heaven
Paving the highway with tears
[ steel ]
I've cried for you if every step I've taken
Paving the highway with tears
The road ahead is lonesome and forsaken
When I look back at all those happy years
I'll always love darling I'm sure your new love fail
You'll find me if you'll follow the teardrops on the trail
Without you dear I'll just go on forever
You look at this picture with a wondering eye
And then at the arrow that hangs by it's side
They tell a story for you know there is one
With the name of Patanio the story begun
I'll tell you a story that will thrill you, I know
Of a horse that I owned down in New Mexico
Swift as an antelope and black as a crow
A star on his forehead as white as the snow
His hair like a lady was glossy and fine
He was restless and proud but so gentle and kind
His arched neck was hidden by a thick, flowing mane
And they called him Patanio, the pride of the plains
The country was new and the settlers were scarce
And the Indians on the warpath were savage and fierce
Scouts were sent out every day from the post
But they never came back so we knew they were lost
One day said the captain, someone he must go
For help to the border at New Mexico
A dozen brave fellows right away answered yeah
But the captain he spied me a-standing right near
Patanio beside me, his nose in my hand
Said the captain, your horse is the best in the land
You're good for the ride and the lightest man here
On the back of that mustang you've nothing to fear
So proud of my horse that I answered, you know
Patanio and I both so willing to go
For speed and endurance I'll trust to the blind
Patanio will carry my life on his back
Then they all took my hand and I mounted my horse
Rode down the dark pathway and I turned his head horth
Pat struck a trot and he kept it all night
Till just as the east was beginning to light
He answered the touch with a toss of his head
His black body lengthened and forward he sped
We were beating the redskins and the story was plain
When the arrows fell round us like showers of rain
We were leaving the redskins and the story was plain
When sudden in my leg that I felt a great pain
The blood it gushed forth from Patanio's side
But he never once shortened his powerful stride
Patanio, poor fellow, I knew he was hurt
But still he dashed forward and into the fort
For many a fine horse I have passed on the range
I went to Panama
To find out why it's called the tropic zone
The senoritas there had so much charm
They could even melt a heart of stone
A hot tamale gal she flashed me a smile
And I lost my heart right then
I thought I'd only stay down there for a day
Now I think I'll never leave again
In Panama those Panamamas
They live the life of a beautiful dream
Your life's a waste until you get a taste of the thrill
That you get from a tropical queen
[ guitar ]
Now kindly get me straight I think they're great
Those gals from Tennessee
But when they say si si in Panama
Then the trill is really different to me
Manana never comes down there
They live just for tonight
I take her in my arms beneath the beautiful palms
And it's heaven when I hold her tight
[ guitar ]
I'm making memories on balconies
Sombreros they fit me fine
I know that pretty soon I'll honeymoon
With that sweet chiquita of mine
Out on the edge of town we're gonna settle down
How happy we're gonna be
It takes a pepper pot from down old Panama
To catch a feller from Tennessee
Everyone knows it's all over I told them the things that we've planned
But they never see you walking with me and somehow they don't understand
Oh let's forget this sorrow and a pair of broken hearts
We must face each blue tomorrow with a pair of broken hearts
True love never had a chance dear when a foolish quarrel starts
So we paid for our romance dear with a pair of broken hearts
[ vibes ]
Whoo-whoo-whoo whoo-whoo-whoo
Whoo-whoo-whoo-who whoo-whoo-woho-woho
A boy and girl were kissing beneath a linden tree
A lonely owl was watching a little jealously
It seemed that he was saying I want my sweetheart too
But she's flown off with someone I often wonder who
Whoo-whoo-whoo whoo-whoo-woho-woho
The summer moon grew brighter the owl looked down at me
He say that I was lonely alone the same as he
He thought of his beloved and as I thought of you
He asked the same old question that I am asking you
[ guitar ]
The owl and I were blinking and fighting back the tears
We sat all night together like friends of many years
We both are hoping someday to find somebody new
Someone who'll make us happy another love but who
It’s only a rose from my mother’s grave
That I'd planted long long ago
I pulled it from a stem, where it used to wave
With a windward soft and low
It’s only a flower white and so fair
That she used to love so well
Sweet were the perfume that filled the air
Round her grave down in the dell
It’s only a rose, a fragrant white rose
That bloomed on my mother’s grave
Peace to her soul and blessed reposed
With a bright rose above her way
Only a rose from my mother’s grave
A flower she loved when here
I shall press it away in a book and save
Bloom will never end in years
For mother was like this snow white rose
Gentle at heart and lovely too
Soon came the twilight with repose
Angels made her bed and knew
Only a rose from my mother’s grave
Kissed by dew from heaven up above
Over her form it used to wave
In its tenderness and love
Only a rose, but through the years
We’ve been in some hollow shrine
Often our eyes will fill with tears
One more ride
I long for a 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'
I'm a man that knows where the Santa Fe goes when she gets under steam
And the big loud bell bids a fond farewell you could hear her whistle scream
She's bound to go where there ain't no snow a fallin'
one more ride one more ride,
[ guitar ]
I miss the gloom of the pale light moon that seemed to know my name
And the tumbleweeds where the prairie dogs feed, I miss them just the same
They're all a part of a song of the heart I'm singin'
I recall the tune that I sang to the moon, it seemed to make him smile
As I rode away at the close of the day and I stayed so long awhile
But I long to be where the memory is ringin' one more ride, one more ride.
[ guitar ]
As the years go by I'll 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, there's a oneway track, way down in Mexico
You'll find me there or any old where that a tumbleweed will grow
I've got to make myself let go off you somehow
Stop hanging on to memories that's over now
But if I do what would I have in my world I pretend
Cause to this world I go each night once more you're mine again
[ piano ]
Once more you're mine again you hold me close to you
And when I see you leave my world again I'm blue
I feel the teardrops on my face the hurt starts movin' in
Tonight I'll go back to my world once more you're mine again
I was born a rover on the rhythmic range
A rootin' tootin' terror and I never will change
I sing a tune a day and travell all of the way
In rhythm
Everything around me is a part of my song
They seem to want to follow as I ramble along
The lazy hawk in the sky is even tempted to try
My rhythm
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
Everything is keepin' time to a sorta rhythmic rhyme
And rhythm
Everytime a Sunday comes a-rollin' around
Down beside the water hole I'm sure to be found
I'll be scrubin' and rubin' in a manner profound
In rhythm
Water from a thousand feet is colder than air
I always thought the Devil kept it warmer down there
I guess it were to his path so I'll be takin' my bath
In rhythm
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
Everything is keepin' time to a sort of rhythmic rhyme
And rhythm
I asked the prairie chicken when he started to scratch
If sandy fleas and bumble bees could hatch a better hatch
He said the only thing found beneath this doggone ground
Is rhythm
He started into workin' with a pause of his head
And then he turned around to me and here's what he said
I ain't a-diggin' for gold but when I'm scratchin' my soul
Got rhythm
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
On the rhythm range (On the rhythm range)
Everything is keepin' time to a sort of rhythmic rhyme
Oone kauha wiki wiki sweet brown maiden said to me
As she gave me language lessons on the beach at Waikiki
Oone kauha wiki wiki she then smiled and said with glee
But she would not translate for me on the beach at Waikiki
Oone kauha wiki wiki she repeated playfully
Oh those lips were so inviting on the beach at Waikiki
[ banjo - steel ]
Oone kauha wiki wiki she was surely teasing me
So I caught that maid and kissed her on the beach at Waikiki
Oone kauha wiki wiki you have learned it perfectly
There's a faraway Island neath the silvery moonlight
Just a paradise of dreams across the sea
There's a maiden all alone and still waitin'
On that old Hawaiian shore for me
The tears they were falling and the nightbirds were calling
As the breeze that night waved through the air so free
The palmtrees were swaying south guitars were playing
Aloha where I dwell to be
[ steel ]
Happy lovers were strolling lazy waters were rolling
As my ship had sailed a drifted out to sea
The moon seemed to wonder as he watched from up yonder
When my darling waved the last goodbye to me
When the shadows of twilight play with gold of the sunset
I'll be heading for that Isle where dreams come true
Mid that tropical splendor my heart will surrender
On that old Hawaiian shore with you
Now when I was a lad and old Shep was a pup
Over hills and valleys we'd stray
Just a boy and his dog we were both full of fun
We grew up together that way
I remember the time at the old swimming hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
But oldhep was right there to the rescue he came
He jumped in and helped drag me out
Now the years rolled along and at last he grew old
His eye sight was fast growing dim
Then one day the doctor looked at me and said
I can't do no more for him Jim
So with trembling hand I picked up my gun
Aimed it at Shep's faithful head
But I just couldn't do it I wanted to run
I wished they would shot me instead
So I threw down that old gun ran right up to his side
He laid his faithful old head right on my knee
And friends I stroked the best pal that a man ever found
I even cried so I scarsely could see
Now old Shap he knew he knew he was going to go
Cause he reached out and he licked at my hand
Then he looked up at me just as much as to say
I hate to but you understand
Now old Shep is gone where the good doggies go
And no more with old Shep will I roam
But if dogs have a heaven there's one thing I know
Two little boys and an old family dog
By the banks of a stream sat one day
The boys decided old rover must die
A nusance well out of the way
The poor old fellow stood close by their side
His fate he couldn't quite understand
With a wag of his tail and a half sobbing wail
He reached out and licked at their hands
Remember I'm your best friend boys
Oh no one could love you so true
Though you may beat me and bang me today
Tomorrow I'll play games with you
I know I am old and quite in the way
But life to me still holds a charm
Well I've only one favor to ask of you boys
Let me spend my last days on the farm
[ vibes ]
With a rope round his neck they were ready to tie
His pleading seemed of no avail
Just then one of the boys slipped and fell in the stream
The other stood by deadly pale
A loud cry for help and old rover plunged in
No sight of old age or delay
And as he slowly swam back to the shore
The waves dashing by in his face
(Remember I'm your best friend boys)
Oh no one could love you so true)
Though you may beat me and bang me today
Tomorrow I'll play games with you
I know I am old and quite in the way
But life to me still holds a charm
Well I've only one favor to ask of you boys
Pardon me if I'm sentimental when we say goodbye
Don't be angry with me should I cry
When you're gone yet I'll dream a little dreams as years go by
Now and then there's a fool such as I
Now and then there's a fool such as I am over you
You taught me how to love and now you say that we are through
I'm a fool but I'll love you dear until the day I die
Now and then there's a fool such as I
[ ac.guitar ]
I was slowly passing an orphan's home one day
And stop there for a moment just to watch the children play
Alone a boy was standing and when I asked him why
He turned with eyes that couldn't see and he began to cry
I'm nobody's child I'm nobody's child
I'm like a flower just growing wild
No mommy's kisses and no daddy's smiles
Nobody wants me I'm nobody's child
I just can't seem to understand why the folks all pass me by
Cause I know that it's true that God takes little blind children with him in the sky
And they tell me that I'm oh so pretty and they seem to like my big curls of gold
But then they take some other little child and I'm left here all alone
People come for children and take them to their own
But they all seem to pass me by and leave me here alone
I know they'd like to take me but when they see I'm blind
They always take some other child and I am left behind
No mother's arms to hold me or soothe me when I cry
Sometimes it gets so lonely here I wish that I could die
I'd walk the streets of heaven where all the blinds can see
And just like for the other kids there'd be a home for me
(I'm nobody's child I'm nobody's child
I'm like a flower just growing wild)
No mommy's kisses and no daddy's smiles
Nobody knows about the jailhouse blues till you get within four walls
And the jailerman turns that big black key that's when your spirit falls
Then you drag yourself up to the bars and while you gaze out at the stars
This is what you say
Why did I stray from the rightous path nobody knows but me
There on the outside you all can laugh I don't need your sympathy
For after I'm paid for the liquor I've sold
Gonna leave this place worth my weight in gold
So why did I stray from the rightous path nobody knows but me
[ dobro ]
When you realize that you're all alone sittin' in a two-by-four
That little cell is just a taste of hell if you ain't been there before
Well you're locked up tight but they treat you fair
You get everything that you need in there
That's just why I say
While a prisoner of war in Korea
Surrounded by guards and barrbed wire
I dreamed of returnin' to you, dear
Oh, that was my heart's one desire
Now at last I am free and returnin'
And I'm thankful to God up above
I'm no longer a prisoner of war, dear
But I'm still a prisoner of love
(spoken)
These past years, my darlin' were like a nightmare to me
But through all the hardships and the suffering it seemed
Like your face I could always see
Seems like you gave me the courage and the will to live
When I was so heartsick and blue
And my lonely hours seemed to fly quickly by, dear
When I was thinking of you
Ya know, honey, I didn't recieve all of your letters
Till way after the truce was signed
But now that I've read them all over
I hope, dear, that you haven't changed your mind
Gee, now soon this plane is gonna be landin' and
I hope you'll be waitin' there for me
The minutes are draggin' by like hours now
What's my fate to be
In the crowd, dear, I see you there wavin'
And I'm thankful to God up above
For this ole' plane has just hit the runway
The postman came to me this morning
and dropped your letter in the door.
Then went his way so gay and smiling,
leaving my old heart so sad and sore.
CHORUS
You painted all the clouds with sunshine
and named the day that we would wed,
But with the tide those dreams are drifting,
There's NO GOLDEN TOMORROW AHEAD.
Those plans we made together darling
have faded like the mists at sea.
Your letter reads you've found another,
that you love someone else, dear, but me.
CHORUS
You painted all the clouds with sunshine
and named the day that we would wed,
But with the tide those dreams are drifting,
There's NO GOLDEN TOMORROW AHEAD.
The days are long, so sad and dreary,
the nights are lonely and so blue.
But true as stars shine down from heaven,
I will never love no one but you.
CHORUS
You painted all the clouds with sunshine
and named the day that we would wed,
But with the tide those dreams are drifting,
There's NO GOLDEN TOMORROW AHEAD.
I hope, sweetheart, that you'll be happy
along life's path you've chose to tread.
But you'll find there's no love like mine, dear,
And NO GOLDEN TOMORROW AHEAD.
CHORUS
You painted all the clouds with sunshine
and named the day that we would wed,
But with the tide those dreams are drifting,
I took you home from a party and we kissed in fun
A few stolen kisses and no harm was done
Instead of stoppin' when we could we went right on
Till suddenly we found the brakes were gone
[ piano ]
You belong to someone else and I do too it's just crazy bein' here with you
As a bad motorcycle with the devil in the seat
Doin' ninety miles an hour down a dead end street
I didn't want to want you now I have no choice
It's too late to listen to the warning voice
All I hear is thunder when two hearts beat
Doin' ninety miles an hour down a dead end street
You're not free to belong to me and you know I can never be your own
Your lips on mine are like sweet sweet wine but we're headin' for a wall of stone
Warnin' signs are flashin' by us but we we pay no heed
Stead of slowin' down the pace we keep picking up the speed
Disaster's gettin' closer every time we meet
Doin' ninety miles an hour down a dead end street
I'm just as blue as I can be since Susie said goodbye to me
My life is a failure I see
And she won't be mine gal no mo' no mo' no mo'
I'll pack my things and drip take me a long ocean trip
Out on the great big steamship
She'll never see her daddy no mo' no mo' no mo'
Still I hate to say farewell to my mammy and my sister Nell
Then she'll gonna cry when I tell
That I ain't comin' home no mo' no mo' no mo'
[ trumpet ]
I may be sorry someday that I leave here and go away
But they need not ask me to stay
For I'll never change my mind no mo' no mo' no mo'
Now whether I'm right or wrong I'm gonna be gone before long
And then I'll hust this crazy song
While lookin' through my jewelry drawer beneath some papers there I saw
An address book I'd kept throughout the years
It listed all the girls on it friends my list sure has grown
Each name brings back the laughter and the tears
There were girls that I'd romance with girls that I had dance with
Some whose face that I just can't recall
There were girls I kissed and lied to some I couldn't though I tried to
The name of the game was love and I played it with them all
There was Mary Martha Diana Eva Josie Hannah Anna Sally Beth and Rosie
Bonnie Connie Susan and Cindy you get Claudette Emma and Mindy
Janett Gina Ingrid or a Bessie Florance Fanny surely were fantasy
Francie Nora Alice even Dolly Gertie Gretchen Carmelita and Molly
Girls of every nation each one a new temptation
They were great I sure had a ball
They were girls that I had courted girls whose marriage plans I hoarded
The name of the game was love and I played it with them all
There was Betty Ann Carol and Yuanita Cora Dora Grace and Rosilita
Mory Margie Lisa Katie Dottie Lottie Lynn and a Sadie
Henrietta Mabel Jane and a Alice Daisy Maizie Mona and Cecilia
Lois Liza Laura and Leona Vida Vee Louisa and Ramona
Penny Janice Silvia Elmira Etta Gretta Louise or Mira
Merle and Perle and Leorial and Denise Doris Picta Julia and Amy
Frances Flora Dontie even Trudy Barbara Ethel Ellen is a beauty
Katie Camden and Athenalina Georgia Clara Alba and Ema
Iris Elise Dorothy and Hilda Olga Donna Lulu Bella Gilda
Eunice Phoebe Ida and a Eda and I loved them all
I woke up this mornin’ in a terrible mood,
You talk about a woman treatin’ a good man rude
She left me talkin’ to myself just a gazin’ at that mean old wall.
She had another daddy waitin’ down at the end of the hall.
She changes 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 under grown.
She said she’d never leave me but she got that urge to roam,
She drifts around the country like a stream-boat on the foam,
Never changes course just travels along that same old way.
I hope she goes a-drift and rolls along back home some day.
Now, if I ever find her, gonna chain her to the floor,
Then tell her: Now sit there woman ‘cause you ain’t leavin’ no more,
I’m gonna tame you woman till you’re eatin’ from my hand.
There is but one real religion that redeems a sinners soul
It's as timeless as the ages and it never will grow old
My Lord Jesus, he's the power.I am the way, the truth, the life
and the way has never changed since he spoke the words out loud.
My religion's not old fashioned but it's real genuine, two and two makr four to-day as it did in my Lord's time.
modern day wont make a difference that you can't follow through the time,
My religion's not old fashioned but it's real genuine.
(PIANO)
In this world of wild confusion, we are often led astray.
When we hear the word 'old fashioned' as men speak of God to-day.
My Lord doesn't deal in fashion, He's more timeless than the seas
and Hjs words still hold the power as they did in Gallilee.
My religion's not old fashioned but it's real genuine
two and two make four to-day as it did in my Lord's time.
Modern days wont make a difference you can't follow through the time.
My religion's not old fashioned but it's real genuine.
(GUITAR)
Some are prone to yake the bible and Usurp the words of Christ.
They admit He came here one time but He'll never make it twice.
Do not tempt the bible's prophecies as such men rue their life
There is darkness in their future but there's life in Jesus Christ.
My religion's not old fashioned but it's real genuine
Two and two make four to-day as it did in my Lord's time
Modern days wont make a difference you can't follow through the time
There are friends who will want you but just for a day
There are pals you think true but they'll cast you away
But there's one loving soul boys I'll sure recommend
Through this old world of sorrow she'll be true till the end
Mother though her hands are all wrinkled and old
Mother silver hair that has lost all the gold
You left her alone went to roam through the years
But all that you left her was heartaches and tears
So kiss her old brow whisper softly and true
Mother you're just an angel and I love you
On the door of a cottage a wreath sadly hung
And a hearse stood there waiting as the choir softly sung
There were flowers in their beauy and the old Parson he prayed
This was the last tribute as we left for her grave
She won't meet you tonight son when you crave her caress
She has reared you to manhood and now you've laid her to rest
Those flowers in their beauty to her they're unknown
Cause tonight she's with the angels up around God's great throne
So don't wait that late son to try and repay
Give those flowers and give those treasures but give them today
Let her know that you love her and kinda show her that you care
Cause she's your mother God love her she's as true as a prayer
So kiss her old brow whisper softly and true
The man above was a murderer the man below was a thief
And I lay there in the bunk between ailing beyond belief
A weary armful of skin and bone wasted with pain and grief
My feet were froze and the lifeless toes were purple and green and gray
The little flesh that clung to my bones you could punch it in holes like clay
The skin on my gums was a sullen black and slowly peeling away
I was sure enough in a direful fix and often I wondered why
They did not take the chance that was left and leave me alone to die
Or finish me off with a dose of dope so utterly lost was I
But no they brewed me the green-spruce tea and nursed me there like a child
And the homicide he was good to me and bathed my sores and smiled
And the thief he starved that I might be fed and his eyes were kind and mild
Yet they were woefully wicked men and often at night in pain
I heard the murderer speak of his deed and dream it over again
I heard the poor thief sorrowing for the dead self he had slain
I'll never forget that bitter dawn so evil askew and gray
When they wrapped me round in the skins of beasts and bore me to a sleigh
And we started out with the nearest post a hundred miles away
I'll never forget the trail they broke with its tense unuttered woe
And the crunch crunch crunch as their snowshoes sank through the crust of the hollow snow
And my breath would fail and every beat of my heart was like a blow
And often times I would die the death yet wake up to life anew
The sun would be all ablaze on the waste and the sky a blighting blue
And the tears would rise in my snow-blind eyes and furrow my cheeks like dew
And the camps we made when their strength outplayed and the day was pinched and wan
And oh the joy of the blessed halt and I did dread the dawn
And how I hated the weary men who rose and dragged me on
And oh how I begged to rest to rest the snow was so sweet a shroud
And oh how I cried when they urged me on cried and cursed them aloud
Yet on they strained all racked and pained and sorely their backs were bowed
And then it was all like a lurid dream and I prayed for a swift release
From the ruthless ones who would not leave me to die alone in peace
Till I waked up and I found myself at the post of the Mounted Police
And there was my friend the murderer and there was my friend the thief
With bracelets of steel around their wrists and wicked beyond belief
The postman dropped the letter in my door
The address wasn't plain but I could see
It had travelled far across the Great Pacific
From my Filipino Rose across the sea
The writing of her trembling hand was blurred
The paper it was sadly stained with tears
It read to tell me you have found another
After I have longed and waited all these years
But I'm still praying that the trade wind
Sends you sailing across the blue
In my harbor I dream you'll anchor
Where your lonely Filipino waits for you
[ piano ]
I have promised her that I'd return someday
I told her she won my heart and hand
I told her a lie cause I was lonely
Far from home a stranger in that foreign land
She wrote I watched the driftwood float on by
I watched the sea alone in its weary way
I watched the silver sails out on the ocean
Hoping you'd might return to me someday
The chains of love may never set me free
But through the years these mem'ries fondly grow
This broken heart will always wait for you dear
It was signed your lonely Filipino Rose
There are flowrs that are rich there are flowers that are rare
On the banks where the bright water flows
But the sweetest of all nature's flowers to bloom
Was my darling the Blue River Rose
Her eyes were the petals that glisten so bright
Her smile was the sunshine so fair
And the heart of my beautiful Rose was as true
As her tears like the dew sprinkled there in the dead
In the bright month of June neath that old southern moon
At the altar each promise we'd close
But old fate played its part and soon broke the heart
Of my darling my Blue River Rose
Her father objected said think of our pride
We would never outlive such a crime
There are plenty of men who are wealthy and then
Would be up in the world such as I
[ fiddle + steel ]
So they sent her away to some far distant land
A vacation they told her 'twould be
When the leaves start to fall it is then we will call
And you may return o'er the sea
A year had passed on then the postman one morn
Brought a letter to me and it read
The rose that once bloomed in your garden of love
Has all whithered your darling is dead
Now I'm left all alone this old world I must roam
How I'll face every care heaven knows
But each night by light stream I'll still meet her in dreams
Now the sweetest girl in all the world is my blue eyed Jane
We fell in love like turtle doves while the moon was shining down
I asked her then I asked her when the wedding bells would ring
She said oh dear it seems so clear and this could happen here
You're my little pal and I never knew a sweeter gal
My little ol' blue eyed Jane I love you so
And when the sun goes down and the shadow's creeping over town
Just meet me in the lane my blue eyed Jane
[ steel - fiddle ]
Now Jannie dear listen here I've come to say farewell
Now the world is drear without you dear but now I cannot linger here
I'm going no way this very day oh please come go with me
I'll be sad and blue I'm wanting you and longing all day through
You're my blue eyed Jane you'll always be the same sweet thing
I know you'll never change I love you so
And when the sun goes down and the shadow's creeping over town
Well her eyes they sparkle like the sandy dunes
And her voice it rings like all the latest tunes
And when she speaks my name her eyes fairly light up and shine
She's my Arabian baby and maybe she'll soon be mine
I've traveled this whole world over and never have I seen
Such eyes, such lips, such lucious charms on such a lovely queen
So with an eye to the future I will make my plans
I'm a-gonna get a ring on a lilly white hand
And I'll count all the pleasures that I know will soon be mine
And my Arabian baby and me are gonna live just fine
Guitar melody lead break
She puts all the princesses in the shade
With her lips of fire and her eyes of jade
And her charms as warm as the tingle of cherry wine
She's my Arabian baby and maybe she'll soon be mine
Well I've got the license and the preacher man
She's got the frills, I'm gonna bring her a band
And everybody will dance till the sun begins to shine
Listen to a story bout a gal I know
She's my music makin' mama I'm her hillbilly boy
She's sweeter than the music when she tickles the strings
Sweeter than the flowers down in New Orleans
She's my music makin' mama from Memphis Tennessee
She'll play a little rhythm do the boogie up right
The Tennessee polka maybe blues in the night
Everybody travels from near and far
To hear her when she swings it on her old guitar
She's my music makin' mama from Memphis Tennessee
[ guitar ]
You gotta start dancin' when she gets in the groove
Plays the big bass fiddle or she'll yodel the blues
She plays a down beat an off beat any old beat
A breakdown a hoedown and does it up neat
She's my bass pickin' baby from Memphis Tennessee
You can hear her in the evening when the sun sinks low
A singin' and a pickin' on her old banjo
You gotta jive when the words roll out of her mouth
Everybody's callin' her the Queen of the South
She's my piano playin' mama from Memphis Tennessee
[ piano ]
(She'll play a little rhythm do the boogie up right
The Tennessee polka maybe blues in the night
Everybody travels from near and far
To hear her when she swings it on her old guitar
She's my music makin' mama from Memphis Tennessee)
You can tell when my baby is a comin' to town
All the jive jumpin' jitterbugs they gather around
They keep yellin' to my honey now Queenie let's go
My baby starts a pickin' and a pickin' down low
I had a home down in Texas back where the Bluebonnet grew
I had the kindest old mother how happy we were just we two
But one day the angels called her this parting we all have to pay
She called me close to her bedside and these are the words she did say
Son don't start drinking and gambling promise you'll always go straight
Ten years have passed since our parting that promise I've broke I must say
I started in gambling for past time at last I was just like them all
I bet all my clothes and my money not dreaming that I'd ever fall
[ fiddle ]
One night I've spent all my money nothing was left to be seen
And all that I had for to break them was one card and that was a Queen
Cards were delt all round the table each man took a card on the draw
I drew the one that would break them I turned it and here's what I saw
I saw a my mother's picture and somehow it seemed to say
Son you have broken your promise then I threw the cards away
My winnings I gave to a newsboy I knew I was wrong from the start
Oh come hear my story of heartaches and sighs
I'm a prisoner who's lonely for his moonlight and skies
I have a sweetheart who's waiting for me
Back in old Oklahoma I'm not far from Shawnee
Her lips like the cherries her little heart cries
Daddy please come back to your moonlight and skies
My pal's name was Blacky a lad with true heart
A robbery we'd planned so decided to start
I went to my darling with tears in her eyes
She said daddy don't leave me your moonlight and skies
I laughed at her pleading youth must have it's way
And said I'll be back in a couple of days
[ guitar ]
The next scene was fatal with a shot through his heart
Old Blacky died sending love to his sweetheart
Go tell her go tell her I send her my love
I'll meet her in heaven with the angels above
That night I was captured out under the stars
Now I have life to linger behind these iron bars
You'll find me at my window as the day slowly dies
I'm dreaming of my darling and my moonlight and skies
Oh pale moon is shining it's shining so bright
And lovers are strolling by my window tonight
Their laughter so merry brings heartaches and sighs
When the sun in the morning peeps over the hill
And kisses the roses round my window sill
Then my heart fills with gladness when I hear the trill
Of the birds in the treetops on Mockin' Bird Hill
Tra la la twitle dee dee dee it gives me a thrill
To wake up in the morning to the mockin' bird's trill
Tra la la twitle dee dee dee there's peace and good will
You're welcome as the flowers on Mockin' Bird Hill
[ guitar ]
When it's late in the evening I climb up the hill
And survey all my kingdom while everything's still
Only me and the sky and an ol' whippoorwill
Singin' songs in the twilight on Mockin' Bird Hill
Tra la la twitle dee dee dee...
You're welcome as the flowers on Mockin' Bird Hill
Moanin' my life slowly away
Sittin' here waitin' for the new commin' day
They try to cheer me as I trudge on my way moanin' for you
Can't seem to hide it and why should I try
Good Lord he knows it up there in the sky
A million heartaches with your last goodbye left me moanin' for you
Work these poor fingers way down to the bone
When things seemed right my whole world went wrong
Since I found your letter baby sayin' so long I've been moanin' for you
[ steel ]
They find me alone at the close of the day
Counting each petal from your rose bouquet
Guess I'll be here till eternity moanin' for you
This old rocking chair I have rocked it apart
The last spark of flame in my fireplace is dark
But this old flame that's burning deep down in my heart
Keeps me moanin' for you
Way down in the state of Georgia through the swamps and everglades
There's a hole in Tiger Mountain God help the man who gets lost in Miller's Cave
I had a girl in Waycross Georgia but she had unfaithful ways
Made me feel I was unwanted like the bats and the bears in Miller's Cave
(Miller's Miller's Miller's Miller's Cave)
I couldn't stand the way she done, me couldn't take her lowdown ways
Before I'll stay with a cheating woman I'll go live with the bears in Miller's Cave
I caught her out one Sunday morning with some man they call Big Dave
Meanest man in Waycross Georgia I'd rather fight a mountain lion in Miller's Cave
(Miller's Miller's Miller's Miller's Cave)
I said you'll pay both you and Davy I must see you in your graves
They laughed at me and then I shot 'em
I took their lying cheatin bones to Miller's Cave
That woman made me feel unwanted but I guess I showed her I was brave
Most wanted man in the state of Georgia
But they'll never find me cause I'm lost in Miller's Cave
When there's icicles hangin' on the green pinetrees
And the Florida oranges all turn blue
When there's Miami snow then baby you will know
That I stopped loving you
When there's no cattle roamin' on a Texas plains
And the Texasans stop raggin' like they do
When no blue blizzards blow then baby you will know
That I stopped loving you
When there's no pretty women in Kentucky
And Tennessee's got no more mountain dew
When the Grand Ole Opry stars stop playing their guitars
Then I'll stop loving you
[ guitar ]
When we all take a sleigh ride on Miami shore
And the girls in Bikini's all turned blue
When there's Miami snow then baby you will know
That I stopped loving you
When there's no pretty women...
When the Grand Ole Opry stars stop playing their guitars
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 in lightly with a dream
Your lips and mine two sips of wine memories are made of this
Then add the wedding bells one house where lovers dwell
Three little kids for the flavor
Stir carefully through the days see how the flavor stays
These are the dreams you will savour
With his blessings from above serve it generously with love
One man one wife one love true life memories are made of this
[ guitar ]
Once I got a foolish notion to cross that big wide ocean
The furure for me didn't look so bright
So I signed up with a tanker got on board and raised the anchor
Stood and watched the Golden Gate fade out of sight
Nineteen days and nights we travelled through the stormy seas we battled
Till we land again Australia far away
Far from friends and San Francisco and the Miss I thought I miss so
Till I stepped ashore of Melbourne that first day
But I met Melba from Melbourne she made my heart yearn
She made my tears flow like wine
She let me kiss her then made me miss her
Cause Melba could never be mine
[ guitar ]
So in love but couldn't get her cared so much I couldn't forget her
I fell in love just a little bit more and more
There I was just like I started all alone and broken hearted
I recall the day I left Australian shore
I was standin' there and tryin' so hard to keep from cryin'
And the more I tried the more my tears would show
Then the south breeze seem to whisper
Hold her close and once more kiss her
It was hopeless so I turned away to go
But I left Melba from Melbourne she made my heart yearn
She made my tears roll like wine
She wouldn't leave there I couldn't stay there
So Melba could never be mine
Busted flat in Baton Rouge headin' for the trains
Feelin' nearly faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained
Took us all the way to New Orleans
I took my har'poon out of my dirty red bandana
And was blowin' sad while Bobby sang the blues
With them windshield whipers slappin' time and Bobby clappin' hands
We finally sang up ever song that driver knew
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose
And nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free
Oh but feeling good was easy Lord when Bobby sang the blues
That feeling good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee
[ guitar ]
From the coal mines of Kentucky to the California sun
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Standing right beside me Lord through everything I done
And every night she kept me from the cold
Then somewhere near Salinas Lord I let her slip away
Looking for the home I hope she'll find
And I'd trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday
Holdin' Bobby's body next to mine
I save up my money to buy my sweetheart some flowers
For Saturday's date and I restlessly counted the hours
Then today in the mail I recieved a short little note
And I'd broke down inside at the message that her mother's wrote
Mary Ann regrets she's unable to see you again
We're leaving for Europe next week she'll be busy till then
They know that she loves me but poor boys don't fit in their plans
Goodbye true love goodbye my sweet Mary Ann
The weeks have gone by not a word have I heard since then
In the papers I read of the far away places she's been
I can't eat I can't sleep for over and over again
My mind reads that letter and I cry for my Mary Ann
My Mary had died too sad she just wasted away
If I could have seen her I know she'd be living today
For we loved each other and if they had left us alone
Today she'd be wearing my ring not a blanket of stone
Do you take this woman to be your dear wife
Do you vow to love her the rest of your life
And will you protect her and honor her name
Oh don't cause her heartaches and don't bring her shame
Share with her in poverty with her in wealth
For richer for poorer through sickness and health
All these things the Parson did ask me
And then I whispered I do and I'd do it again
[ steel ]
For I really love her the one I call wife
And I'll go on caring the rest of my life
I'd die to protect her and she'd do the same
I'd cut off my tongue before I'd bring her shame
We may be in poverty may not have wealth
But we stick together through sickness and health
I'll always be thankful till my life is done
"M" is for marriage each letter spells love
"A" is alter where you're blessed from above
"R" is for ring lovers' faith set in gold
"R" is the richness of life it can hold
"I" is the infinite joy in the soul
"A" is the answer to life and its' goal
"G" is the giving of love without end
"E" is eternal that's marriage my friend.
"D" is the devil divorce is his game
"I" is the innocent child you may shame
"V" is for vow made to God and he heard
"O" is the old love who meant every word
"R" is the risk when you break heavens' bond
"C" is the courtroom not on earth but beyond
This is my story for "E" is the end
The first thing I remember knowin' was a lonesome whistle blowin'
And the youngest dream of growin' up to ride
On a freight train leavin' town not knowin' where I'm bound
No one could change my mind but mama tried
One and only rebel child for my family meek and mild
My mama seemed to know what lay in store
Spite of all my Sunday learnin' toward the bad I kept on turnin'
Till mama couldn't hold me anymore
And I turned twenty one in prison doing life without parole
No one could steer me right but mama tried mama tried
Mama tried to raise me better but her pleadings I denied
That leaves only me to blame cause mama tried
[ guitar ]
Dear old daddy rest his soul left my mama heavy load
She tried so very hard to fill his shoes
Working hours without rest wanted me to have the best
She tried to raise me right but I refused
And I turned twenty one in prison...
Your ribbon in the summer breeze entwined in curls of gold
And the robin red brest's voice did sweetly blend
With a little schoolmate chior as they sang oh promise me
When I wed you in love's game of let's pretend
The kid next door was parson and the church was make believe
For a wedding ring a hairpin I did bend
And while flowers along the wayside was my childhood bride's bouquet
When we married in love's game of let's pretend
[ steel - fiddle ]
Little did I think that day that somewhere along life's way
That the game of let's pretend again we'd start
But you cheated in the game and you drew another's name
Then the hand of fate dealt me a broken heart
On a pillow wet with tears I'll keep dreaming through the years
So forever let me be your closest friend
Though each vow you cast away you were mine in childhood days
All the cares of the day are behind me and I know everything is all right
For that's not just a star twinkling bright from above
It's the Lord's way of saying goodnight
There's a wonderful feeling comes over me as I gaze on the moon silvery line
For it's more than a glow that I see from below
It's the Lord's way of saying goodnight
I see him all day in the flowers he speaks through the birds in the tree
And at last I should know lonely hours there's his comfort in touching the breeze
Oh I know that he's always beside me as I walk in the sun shining bright
And when daylight is gone let the darkness creep on
So long we've been married last burdens we've carried
That fate kept us humble and made our love true
But plans that we'd make up someone seems to break up
Oh darling what else can we do
We may have to leave here to find piece of mind dear
Some place where we can live a life of our own
For I know you love me and happy we could be
If some folks would leave us alone
[ fiddle ]
When I go out walking there's lots of loose talking
They say we're unhappy and we'll break apart
But darling it's not true because I still love you
And I do it all of my heart
They say you are leaving that you are deceiving
But you tell me they say the same about me
But we'll show them there on that loose talk and do harm
And hope that's the truth they will see
[ guitar ]
You look so pretty lying there with dreamland's smile upon your face
Your golden curls in disarray upon your starched white pillow case
The soft blue satin covers pulled up tight around your lovely throat
It almost makes me want to go destroy the message on the note
The note I left upon your perfumed stationary by the phone
I hate to think about you waking up at dawn to find me gone
It hurts me so to get up in the middle of the night and go
But thinking back I do remember faintly that I told you so
I told you I was like a bird a free and wild and restless thing
And even though I take a mate and build a nest in early spring
When summer winds have had their day and winter clouds are flying high
Instinctively I spread my wings and fly
I only know that I must go and nothing here must hold me back
I like the love you gave me and the tender way you scratched my back
I like your warm sweet kisses and the way you cook your ham and eggs
I like the way the suntan lotion softened up your lovely legs
I like the static noise I heard when you would sit and brush your hair
The way you gave yourself to me and never asked to go nowhere
But most of all I like the way you always smiled and never frowned
The way you took this chance for love and took me just for what I am
I told you I was like a bird...
And now my darling as I leave I fight the yearning in my blood
To wake you up and love you just once more before I go for good
But somehow I am fighting back my passion for I cannot stay
And someday you'll look back and know the best it ended up this way
I told you I was like a bird...
Lazy bones sleepin' in the sun how you think you gonna get your day work done
You'll never get your day work done sleepin' in the noonday sun
Lazy bones sleepin' in the shade how you gonna get your corn meal made
You'll never get your corn meal made sleepin' in the noonday shade
When taters need sprayin' I bet you keep prayin' the bugs fall off of the vine
And when you go fishin' I bet you keep wishin' the fish won't grab at your line
Lazy bones loafin' through the day how you spec you gonna make a dime that way
You'll never make a dime that way sleepin' in the noonday shade
[ spoken part ]
I'd like to tell you folks a tale about a certain guy
He's never done a full days work and that friend ain't no lie
When he was just a kid you know still lyin' in his crib he wouldn't shake his rattle i ain't aimin' none to fib
But i bet you people won't beleive me if i tell you this
He never went a swimming or pretty girl he didn't kiss
You see the effort he put forth would be so week and frail
Even if the kid did try he'd most likely fail
His folks were both discusted with the lazy little lout and even though they beat him he never did get out
He grew fast in fact the fasted thing he ever done
And soon he reached the ripe old age fourty years and one
He got a wife to work for him and even told her how to mop the floor
Feed the hogs and milk the jersey cow
He taught her all the chores around, the chores he should have done
While he just sits arouind the home and she was on the run
come meal time though he'd be as prompt as six oclock and stuff himself
Yes he would eat far more than all the farming stock
But he's older now ageing fast still he don't have cry
Cause when his master calls for him he'll be to lazy to die
Lazy bones sleepin' through the day how you spec you gonna make a dime that way
It's a lesson too late for the learning made of sand made of sand
In the wink of an eye my soul is turning in your hand in your hand
Are you going away with no word of farewell
Will there be not a trace left behind
Well I could've loved you better didn't mean to be unkind
You know that was the last thing on my mind
[ guitar - ac.guitar ]
You've got reasons of plenty for going this I know this I know
For the weeds have been steadily growing please don't go please don't go
Are you going away...
[ fiddles - ac.guitar ]
As I lie in my bed in the morning without you without you
Each song in my grass dies a borning without you without you
In the Dodge City yards of the Santa Fe stood a freight made up for the east
And the engineer with his oil and waste was grooming the great iron beast
While ten cars back in the murky dust a boxcar door swung wide
And a hobo lifted his pal aboard to start on his last long ride
A lantern swung and the freight pulled out the engine it gathered speed
The engineer pulled the throttle wide and clucked to his fiery steed
Ten cars back in the empty box the hobo rolled a pill
The flare of the match showed his partner's face stark white and deathly still
As the train wheels clicked on the coupling joints a song for the rambler's ear
The hobo talked to the still white form his pal for many a year
For a mighty long time we've rambled Jack wth the luck of men that roam
With the backdoor steps for a dining room and a boxcar for a home
We dodget the bulls on the eastern route and the cops on the Chesapeake
We traveled the Leadville narrow gauge in the days of Cripple Creek
We drifted down through sunny Cal on the rails of that old SP
And of all you had through good and bad a half always belonged to me
You made me promise to you Jack if I lived and you cashed in
To take you back to the old churchyard and bury you there with your kin
You seemed to know I would keep my word cause you said that I was right
Well I'm keepin' my promise to you pal cause I'm taking you home tonight
I haven't the money to send you there so I'm taking you back on the fly
It's the decent way for a 'bo to go home to the by and by
I knew that that fever had you Jack and the doctor he just wouldn't come
He was too busy treatin' wealthy folks to doctor a worn out bum
As the train rolled over its ribbons of steel straight to the east it sped
The engineer in his highcab seat kept his eyes on the rails ahead
While ten cars back in the empty box the lonely hobo sighed
Just keep a-movin' wherever you were movin'
They told me you were movin' on
Just keep a-goin' wherever you were goin'
The day you left me here all alone
You were in such a hurry, such a tizzy, such a flurry
To leave me for the new love you found
So just keep scratchin' gravel hit the road and start to travel
I don't wanna do time, I'm not hangin' round
Just keep a-goin' wherever you were goin'
The day ya broke my heart and said so long
Just keep a-movin' wherever you were movin'
The day you told me you were movin' on
Just keep a-movin' wherever you were movin'
The day you moved right out of my door
Just keep a love for you and keep him under cover
Your secret love's no secret anymore
When you gave me the go sign I didn't even know why
You were actin' mighty high and mighty then
Now your new love's grown colder than a well digger's shoulder
And you wanted me to take you back again
Oh, just keep a-goin' wherever you were goin'
The day ya broke my heart and said so long
Just keep a-movin' wherever you were movin'
I can't believe that you're honestly thinking of leaving me
Cause I thought that leaving really wasn't even on your mind
I'm drowning in tears drowning constantly nearer to misery
Just bidin' my time while the glow from the wine makes a fool of me
Over and over I practice every day
What to say when I see you but when I see you my tears get in the way
Just bidin' my time while the glow from the wine makes a fool of me
I spend my nights making up things I might have to say to you
To stop you from going yet keep you from knowing how I feel
But till the light says goodbye to the night and your face I see
I'll just bidin' my time while the glow from the wine makes a fool of me
[ guitar ]
As the twilight shadows deepen
Where the weeping willow waves,
All alone in tears I'm kneeling
O'er my sweetheart's lonely grave.
CHORUS
I am asking God's forgiveness,
For you're waiting there I know,
Out beyond that blue horizon
Just across the bridge of gold.
I regret those words I've spoken
Every yesterday of tears
That I caused you little darling
As we wandered through the years
CHORUS
If I'd only read your letter
Saying you were in despair
That your weary heart was broken
And in pain was lying there.
CHORUS
I tonight would not be weeping
O'er the roses on your grave.
But instead dear I'd be happy
And this sorrow I'd have saved.
CHORUS
If I only would have listened
When you told me not to stray
But I said I loved another
Left you there and went away.
CHORUS
Now my life is sad and lonely
Down life's path I trudge along
But I'll meet you up in heaven
When from this old world I've gone.
Pale moon start on your journey I'm pleading to you.
Somewhere you'll find a broken heart yearning too.
Bright stars were shining but clouds drifted by
Just to darken a true love affair,
And I know I'm to blame for the showers that fell,
They meant more than my old pal could bear.
I can't see what happened why I went astray
But I promise I'll never more roam.
So pale moon I've made you promise,
so Journey My Baby Back Home.
Pale moon start on your journey I'm pleading to you.
Somewhere you'll find a broken heart yearning too.
They say that a new day is born when the sun
Climbs the stairs to the heaven so blue.
But to me only one day is born ev'ry year
Since I've cheated and been so un true.
I'm weary, I'm heart-sick, I've worried I've cried,
Down your long silver trail starts to roam.
So pale moon I've made you promise,
I'll tell you a story of Jimmie the Kid he's a brakeman you all know
He was born in Mississippi away down south and he flagged on the T & N & O
He yodeled to fame on the Boston Main the Wabash and the Teepee
From the old Grand Trunk to the cotton belt he yodeled on the Santa Fe
[ fiddle ]
On the Lehigh Valley he yodeled awhile then he went to the Nickel Plate
From the old Lake Shore and the Erie Line he yodeled to a Cadillac Eight
He yodeled his way to the C & A the Lackawanna and I C
He rode a rattler called the Cannonball then he yodeled on the M K & T
[ guitar ]
Now the story goes that Jimmie the Kid has a yodeling mama so sweet
They go Cadillacin' every night and they yodel up and down the street
He's rode freight trains from East to West he's fixed himself up nice
He's got a beautiful home all of his own it's the yodeler's paradise
[ guitar ]
Now they've treated him good and they've treated him bad he never done any wrong
I have sailed across the waters salty ocean deep and blue
Felt the rapture of the dawning thrilled through sunset golden view
I have sought above the mountain peeks or valleys great and wide
But it's a little more like heaven by your side
It's a little more like heaven where you are
I have sought for happiness both near and far
But my search for love was through the day that I met you
Cause it's a little more like heaven where you are
[ piano ]
I have watched the crystal raindrops fall to earth to cool the day
Watched the rainbow at twilight when the clouds have blown away
I've adored the clinging roses round my mountain home so dear
But it's a little more like heaven when you're near
(It's a little more like heaven where you are)
I have sought for happiness both near and far
(But my search for love was through the day that I met you)
Cause it's a little more like heaven where you are
[ vibes ]
I have tempted for a moment by a lure and magic charms
Of fickle flame and beauty while waltzing in her arms
I cherrished mem'ries of the past of friends so kind and true
But it's a little more like heaven dear with you
(It's a little more like heaven where you are)
I have sought for happiness both near and far
(But my search for love was through the day that I met you)
Cause it's a little more like heaven where you are
Today I was lonely so I took a walk I happened to glance in a tree
Out on a limb walked one lonely dove it kinda reminded me of me
I looked at the sidewalk as I walked alone we two of a kind I could see
Because it's been walked on the way that I have it kinda reminds me of me
Out on a limb since she left me that day I live in the sweet used-to-be
I've heard it said that a fool never learns it kinda reminds me of me
I didn't plan to fall in love with you it just happened that way
And all the time inside my heart I knew that I'd regret it some day
Now I can't stand to be away from you but I'm alone every day
I didn't plan to fall in love with you it just happened that way
I saw you and I loved you why I'll never know
There wasn't one chance in a million that our love would grow
You were too far up above me any fool could plainly see
But like driftwood on the river I floated on helplessly
"Ooh!"
"Ooh!"
So echoes of sweet love notes gently fall
Thru the forest stillness,
As fond waiting Indian lovers call!
When the lone lagoon
Stirs in the Spring,
Welcoming home some swany white wing,
When the maiden moon,
Riding the sky,
Gathers her star-eyed dream children nigh:
That is the time of the moon and the year,
When love dreams to Indian maidens appear.
And this is the song that they hear:
[Refrain]:
When I'm calling you-oo-oo oo-oo-oo!
Will you answer too-oo-oo oo-oo-oo!
That means I offer my love to you, to be your own.
If you refuse me, what shall I do…
…just waiting all alone?;
But if when you hear my love call ringing clear,
And I hear your answering echo, so dear,
Then I will know our love will come true,
In the misty moonlight by the flickering firelight
Any place is all right long as I'm with you
In a faraway land on the trophic sea sand
If your hand's in my hand I won't be blue
Way up on the mountain a way down in the valley
I know I'll be happy anyplace anywhere I don't care
In the misty moonlight by the flickering firelight
Any place is all right long as you are there
I could be happy in one little room with only a table and a chair
As happy as I'd be in a kingdom by the sea darling if you were there
I could be rich or I could be poor but if you were by my side
I could be anything in the whole wide world and I know I'll be satisfied
Well I had a friend named Gambling Bob he used to steal gamble and rob
He thought 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 a shootin' dice
He's in the jailhouse now
[ fiddle - steel ]
Well I went out last Tuesday met a girl named Susie
I told her I was the swellest man around
We started to spend my money and she started to call me honey
We took in every cabarete in town
We're in the jailhouse now we're in the jailhouse now
I've told the judge right to his face we didn't like to see this place
In an old Dutch garden by an old Dutch mill
Where the moon was dreaming on a distant hill
When a smile danced by it was then that I
Saw heaven in a pair of wooden shoes
In an old Dutch garden where the tulips grow
That‘s when first I whispered that I love you so
For my heart was blue till I gave it to
An angel in a pair of wooden shoes
Then one sad day
When summer meets September
I sailed away from a thrill I will remember
In an old Dutch garden by an old Dutch mill
Ev‘ry day I pray that you are waiting still
For my heart will yearn until I return
If it's wrong to love you wrong I'll alway be
Though the world may scorn me darling can't you see
If it's wrong to want you when my day is through
Gladly I will pay for all my dreams of you
(Though we met too late dear and you'll never know
That without a right to I have loved you so)
I can't change my heart dear you're a part of me
If it's wrong to love you wrong I'll always be
Part of my love used to go to somebody else can't think of who disclosed to you
Some of my love used to stay head a way for myself
Alone with you here's what I must do
I've got to give you love with all of my heart and my soul
I've got to feed you baby all of the love you've been hold
I left the door open and you know just what to do
I'll wait for you baby I've got to give it all to you
[ fiddle - ac.guitar ]
I've got to give you love with all of my heart and my soul
I've got to feed you baby all of the love you've been hold
He left the door open and I know just what to do
Oh, the road of love is rocky, and it's lonely, and so blue,
When the one you dream of, walks on ahead of you.
Well, I laughed the day she left me, said she'd come back in awhile,
But for every inch I've laughed, I've cried a mile.
It's a mighty lonesome feeling, when you go to bed at night;
And there's nothing but a memory, and a pillow on your right.
Oh, if men were born to suffer, then I guess I'm right in style,
Cause for every inch I've laughed, I've cried a mile.
Well, I laughed and said a new love would be easy to find;
I was right, they're so easy, and all the wrong kind.
As I travel down life's highway, it hardly seems worthwhile,
That for every inch I've laughed, I've cried a mile.
It's a mighty lonesome feeling, when you go to bed at night;
And there's nothing but a memory, and a pillow on your right.
Oh, if men were born to suffer, then I guess I'm right in style,
I’m far away from home out on the dashing foam,
Just how far I have travelled I’ll never know,
Sometimes I feel so blue and I long for home and you,
But I must stay and fight the foe.
CHORUS
So I’m sending you red roses to tell you my love is true,
And I send them so you will know dear that I’m always thinking of you.
Enclosed you will find my heart dear so treat it with tender care
And ev’ry time you look inside dear you’ll find my love is there.
May each petal be a memory of the happiness we knew,
Each thorn may tell a story of the heartache that I’ve been thro’,
So I’m sending you red roses although we’re oceans apart,
I'm not in your town to stay said a lady old and gray
To the warden of the penitentiary
I'm not in your town to stay and I'll soon be on my way
I'm just here to get my baby out of jail
(Yes warden) you know I want my baby out of jail
I tried to raise my baby right I have prayed both day and night
That he wouldn't follow the footsteps of his dad
I have searched both far and wide and I feared that he had died
But at last I found my baby here in jail
(Yes warden) you know it's good to find my baby here in jail
It was five years today when my husband passed away
He was found eath the snow so cold and white
Made a vow to keep his ring his golden watch and his chain
But the county laid my husband in the grave
(Yes warden) the county laid my dearest papa in the grave)
[ vibes ]
I will pawn you my watch I will pawn you my chain
I will pawn you my golden diamond ring
I will wash all your clothes I will scrub all your floors
If this will get my baby out of jail
(Yes warden) you know I want my baby out of jail
Then I heard the warden say to that lady so old and gray
I will bring your darling baby to your side
Two iron gates swung wide apart She held her darling to her heart
She kissed her baby boy and then she died
One day the blessed Saviour brought sweet romance to my heart
And gently whispered love to me
He said we'll dwell together and would never ever part
So now this is the reason that I sing the song of love
Oh I'm in love with Jesus he's the lover of my soul
Fairest one the rose of Sharon bright in the morning star
Sweetest love from heaven up above my life my joy my all
Oh this love divine fills this heart of mine I'm in love with Jesus
(I'm in love with Jesus he's the lover of my soul)
Fairest one the rose of Sharon bright in the morning star
Sweetest love from heaven up above my life my joy my all
Hank Snow I'm Glad i'm on the Inside (Looking Out) Lyrics:
In the days of Noah just before the flood
When the wicked world had all forgotten God
Brother Noah, built a boat which above God's wrath did float
And the people found that they were made of mud
As the door stood open with the gang plank out
Noah and his family entered with a shout
When the scoffers stretched their necks
Noah looked out o'er the deck and said
I'm so glad I'm on the inside looking out
Oh I'd rather be on the inside looking out
Than to be upon the outside looking in
When the rain began to fall sinners on the Lord did call
But the door was shut and night was settin' in
Then old Noah from the window looking out
Gazed away to heaven beyond the water spout
And he said I thank the Lord that I took him at his word
I'm so glad I'm on the inside looking out
[fiddle - guitar]
Good old Daniel lived in Babylon long ago
And he had the grace to tell the devil no
Though he prayed three times a day in the good old fashioned way
They said he to the lions den must go
But the lions made him welcome to their home
For they found that he was nothing but backbone
When the king looked in and said are you alive or are you dead
He was stunned as Daniel spoke in gentle tone
Oh I'd rather be on the inside looking out
Than to be upon the outside looking in
While you paced the palace floor I had nought to do but snore
Jesus put a padlock on each lions chin
Good old Daniel from the window looking out
I guess that he felt good enough to shout
The he said long live the king and then started in to sing
I'm so glad I'm on the inside looking out
Paul and Silas made their way to Phillipi
Determined that they'd preach the word or die
Then a damsel hell possessed to defeat them tried her best
Until Paul turned and blacked the devil's eye
So they locked them up with none to go their bail
Still they sang praises to a God that cannot fail
Then an earthquake shook the place and the jailer showed his face
Paul said do thyself no harm we're still in jail
Oh I'd rather be on the inside looking out
Than to be upon the outside looking in
So now put away thy sword and take Jesus at his word
If you'd have the Savior save you from your sin
Then the jailer cast aside his every doubt
Paul and Silas baptized him with a shout
Then this hallelujah bunch went and had a midnight lunch
I'm glad I got to see you once again
Although we're through I still love you
I guess I'll have to call you just a friend
Cause someone new has just stepped in
I try to say that I don't really miss you
But in my heart I know it's just a lie
And if someday his love should prove untrue
I'll be around when he has said goodbye
[ guitar ]
(I try to say that I don't really miss you)
But in my heart I know it's just a lie
And if someday his love should prove untrue
I'll be around when he has said goodbye
We're traveling down two different roads in world so far apart
You want me yet there's something else before me in your heart
You're wanting me to change my life the way you're living yours
But I can't change I see no way you wanted me before
If you don't want me like I am then please don't pity me
If you can't change a little bit then why not set me free
If we can't live together then it's best we live apart
You'll go your way and I'll go mine we'll both make brand new start
[ piano ]
There's nothing we can do it seems we'll never get along
With you believing like you do you say I live so wrong
But I can't change my way of life I lived it much too long
You either take me like I am or I'll go on alone
So either say you want my love or take the way you live
Remember though before you get you got to learn to give
So if it change my life or go then go it's goin' be
Tonight I'm sad my heart is weary I'm wondering if I'm wrong or right
Although you've gone and found another I wonder where you are tonight
That old rain is cold and slowly falling upon my window pane tonight
And though your love was even colder I wonder where you are tonight
Your heart was cold you never loved me though you said you often cared
And now you've gone and found another someone to know the love I've shared
That old rain is cold...
[ fiddle - steel ]
Then came the dawn the day you left me I tried to smile with all my might
But you could see the pain within me that lingers in my heart tonight
Some folks like to wish upon a little silver star
Others wish upon that big old moon
If you want to make a wish and have that wish come true
Let me tell you, I should know because one night in June
I made a wish upon my little golden horseshoe
And, gee, I wished that I would fall in love
I told the little stars that I was so blue
As they smiled down on me from up above
And, what do ya know, that wish that I was wishin'
Came just as true, as true as it could be
I wished and kissed my little golden horseshoe
Then lady luck found you and you kissed me
I made a wish upon my little golden horseshoe
And, gee, I wished that I would fall in love
I told the little stars that I was so blue
As they smiled down on me from up above
And, what do ya know, that wish that I was wishin'
Came just as true, as true as it could be
I wished and kissed my little golden horseshoe
I wish my heart could talk to you like I do every night
When we're apart you know it's true I love you every night
You'd come running back and never leave me feeling blue
If my heart could talk to you
Ya know honey, whenever you're close enough to me
To reach out and kiss my fingertips
Then what I'm really feeling deep down in my heart
Always fails to leave my lips
Cause I plan on all the things that my heart wants to say
And then I think I'm all set for the next time I see you walk my way
But it just seems that every time you do I only make a standing start
And then darling you're gone yes you're gone again
Before these words can ever leave my heart
If my heart could talk to you you'd never go away
If my heart could talk to you forever you would stay
You'd come running back and never leave me feeling blue
I went to your wedding although I was dreading
The thought of losing you
The organ was playing my poor heart kept saying
Your dreams your dreams are through
You came down the aisle wearing a smile a vision of loveliness
I uttered a sigh then whispered goodbye goodbye to my happiness
Your mother was crying your father was crying and I was crying too
The teardrops were falling because we were losing you
[ steel ]
I was born in Macon Georgia they kept my dad in the Macon jail
Dad said son if you keep your hands clean
You won't hear them bloodhounds on your trail
But I fell in with bad companions we robbed a man in Tennessee
The sheriff caught me way up in Nashville they locked me up and threw away the key
I washed my hands in muddy water I washed my hands but they didn't come clean
I tried to do what daddy told me but I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream
I asked the jailor I said when's my time up he said son we won't forget
And if you try to keep your hands clean we may make a good man of you yet
I couldn't wait to get my timming I broke out of that Nashville jail
I just crossed the line of Georgia and I can hear the bloodhounds on my trail
I traded my saddle for a rifle and left to join the troubled shore
I hung my guitar in the attic and laid away my forty four
I traded my saddle for a rifle so kiss me my darling we must part
I left my faithful pony grazing in clover by the old corrall.
Yodel layee layee hee
I told the old folks I must leave them
I bid them all a fond farewell
I left my faithful pony grazing
In clover by the old corrall.
I told my mother not to worry
I said that I'd return someday
I bent and kissed her wrinkled forehead
Then turned and sadly walked away.
The stars are growing dim my darling
They say my ship will sail at dawn
So whisper softly that you love me
Once I lived a life of wine and roses
And I drank a lot back then for one concern
Success for me lay just around the corner
I thought my social friends would help me make the turn
But now I'm paying for the days of wine and roses
A victim of the drunken life I chose
Now all my social friends look down their noses
Cause I kept the wine and I threw away the rose
[ steel ]
I stood by and watched the bottle take control of me
The turn I made was not the one I'd planned
And I watched my social standings slip away from me
While I watched the bottle slowly take command
And now I'm paying for...
(I see Jesus standing waiting for me)
Once a man named Steven preached about the Lord
Folks were saved then folks were healed as they heard his word
Satan did not like it soon he had his crowd
And as he was tried they heard Steven cried aloud
I see Jesus standing at the father's right end I see Jesus over in the Promised Land
Work is over now I'm coming to be I see Jesus standing waiting for me
[ piano ]
As the stones fell on him beating out his life
Steven knew he'd soon be through with all toil and strife
So much like a Master with a heart so true
He prayed Lord forgive them for they know not what they do
Through the gates of glory down the streets of gold
March the hero on the Lord into heaven's fold
When he met the Saviour at the great white throne
I believed he smiled and said Steven welcome home
I see Jesus...
Last night I dreamed an angel came he took my hand he called my name
He bade me look the upward way, I saw a man... I heard him say
He said if I'd be lifted up I'll draw all men to me
He turned and then I saw the nail scared hands that bled for me
(I touched the hem of his garment that fell round him there)
My life, my heart I gave...My soul is in his care.
When I awoke my heart beat so and in the dark I saw a glow
It was no dream he came my way...and then I heard my Saviour say
Standing in the moonlight by the old garden gate
Nellie, my darlin', I know you will wait
Wait for me, dearest, he said in tears
Then I'll be your sweetheart through all the long years
I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true
All these long years have been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday
Early next morning at the break of day
He was to journey so far away
Drawing her nearer, his promised bride
By the pale moonlight these words he replied
I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true
All these long years have been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday
Nellie my darling, I'm coming home
The pilgramage over, no longer to roam
But the wedding was over, the knot had been tied
And he found his own sweetheart another man's bride.
Later they found him lying cold on the grass
A pistol beside him held so hard and fast
Then came the note that explained the deed
And in the pale moonlight these words you could read
I love you, Nellie, yes I've been true
All of my life has been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
(I love you most of all because you're you)
I love you because you understand dear
Every single thing I try to do
You're always there to lend a helping hand dear
I love you most of all because you're you
No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for the way you never doubt me
But most of all I love you cause you're you
[ guitar ]
I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time I'm walking by your side
I love you because the future's brighter
The door to happiness you've opened wide
(No matter what may be the style or season
I know your heart will always be true)
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
Though we said goodbye and we drifted far apart
I knew that we'd meet again
Though you left my arms you never left my heart
I knew that we'd meet again
The lover's lane was not the same with someone new
How could lover's lane be same without you
Here we are together prayers were not in vain
I knew that we'd meet again
One word was spoken and now our two hearts they were broken
Our love had all gone astray
That old pride do a courtin' but honey you know I was certain
That we'd meet again some sunny day
True love may sever though it will ever live on in memory
And though honey we were parted and so broken hearted
I knew someday you'd come back to me
In my dreams an old friend came to see you
Right from the start he was the stealing kind
You'll never know how much it hurt me darling
The night you left his loving on your mind
I keep dreaming of you all the time
Then and only then you're really mine
There's sadness when you go away and I face another day
Yet I keep dreaming of you all the time
[ fiddle ]
Last night again I dreamed we were together
I held you close the way I used to do
I kissed your lips and said I found my heaven
You whispered low how much you love me too
I want you to know if things should go wrong
As you walk through your world if you're walking along
Give me your burden I'll carry your load
Remember I love you I just want you to know
Whatever you do or whatever they say
There's someone believing in you all the away
Anytime you feel lonely or need someone to hold
Remember I love you I just want you to know
I want you know when we're far apart
When I cannot steal to you heart to heart
If warm lips should whisper sweet words that aren't so
Remember I love you I just want you to know
I was ridin' No 9 heading south from Caroline
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble had to roam left my gal and left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Just a kid acting smart I went and broke my darling's heart
I guess I was too young to know
They took me off to Georgia Main locked me to a ball and chain
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
[ piano ]
All alone I bear the shame I'm a number not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All I do is sit and cry when the evening train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
I'll be locked here in this cell till my body's just a shell
And my hair turns whiter than the snow
I'll never see that gal of mine Lord I'm in Georgia doing time
When lights are low and we're together a rain or snow who minds the weather
I have you and that's enough for me
Don't care if fortune ever finds me don't need of who's or friends around me
I have you and that's enough for me
By the firesides where you find me when the day is through
Left the world to pass our window I don't mind when I'm with you
When lights are low and we're together a rain or snow who minds the weather
I have you and that's enough for me
[ ac.guitar ]
Don't need a mansion on a mountain or chandeliers and bif mable fountains
I have you and that's enough for me
Don't need a pleasure money can buy me rich or poor youz stand beside me
I have you and that's enough for me
By the firesides...
Though I should say goodbye to you I can't control my heart
It won't obey my heart must stay with you
You brought me a tear with each kiss you gave to me
You taught me how painful love can be
It makes no difference what you do I can't control my heart
And though you stray my heart must stay with you
But you alone it's beating I love you it's repeating
With all my soul I can't control my heart
[ fiddle + guitar ]
You brought me a tear with each kiss you gave to me
You taught me how painful love can be
It makes no difference what you do I can't control my heart
And though you stray my heart must stay with you
For you alone it's beating I love you it's repeating
On the isle of Filla Lilla out Hawaii way
A hula maiden gay strolled by on moonlit bay
There came to court her over the water from a savage Zinga Zululand
A bolo chief-tain grand sang her this lay
And he sang hula Hawaii hula smile on your zing gang a zula
Moonshine above on our sweet jungle love
For you my bolo is swinging for you my love song I'm singing
Come be my hula hula love
[ steel ]
But the chief-tain from the peaceful Filla Lilla land
Would not give him her hand her love took his stand
Through the rattle of the battle as she heard his sweet voice calm and true
They fled in his canoe o'er waters blue
And he sang hula...
And he sang hula...
Come listen to my tale 'bout a pretty little girl
That I chanced to meet on the prairie
T'was a night in June by the western moon
That I met my charming Mary
Her eyes were as bright as the stars that night
When she smiled my heart did bubble
She couldn't make love or turtle dove
But, oh boy, She could yodel
(Yodel)
She yodeled a yodel as sweet as it could be
Her heart was as pure as pretty yellow gold
But love meant nothin', she was too cold
But boy, oh boy, oh boy how she could yodel
Well, I said to myself, you silly little elf
I'll win her heart, that's settled
I tried to hiss that pretty little miss
But, oh my, how she battled
She called me names made me feel so ashamed
Then she said my fire is nobel
Then she turned me down, didn't want me around
But, oh boy, how she yodeled
(Yodel)
She yodeled a yodel as sweet as it could be
Her heart was as pure as pretty yellow gold
But love meant nothin', she was too cold
But boy, oh boy, oh boy how she could yodel
Next night on thr trail I heard a big wail
She changed her mind, felt sorry
Her yodel, you see, was meant for me
And she said, you had me worried
I've rode out tonight to make things right
And I hope you will forgive me
When I said, why yes, she took a deep breath
And, oh boy, how she yodeled
(Yodel)
She yodeled a yodel as sweet as it could be
Her heart was as pure as pretty yellow gold
And it turned to warm from icy cold
But boy, oh boy, oh boy how she did yodel
Well, then we got married and what do you think
We're as happy as the birds in the treeses
Her love is so true and I'm tellin' you
Her heart no more it freezes
In a cradle of pine there's a baby devine
And he never, never grumbles
He's our own little pet and we can't talk yet
But I wish you could hear him yodel
(Yodel)
He yodels a yodel as sweet as it could be
He's our own little pet and we love him, you bet
It don't mean a thing that he can't talk yet
Though men may strife to go beyond the reap of space
To walk beyond the distance shining stars
This world's a room so small within my Master's house
The open sky's but a portion of his yard
How big is God how big and wide his vast domain
To try to tell these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule His mighty universe yet small enough to live within my heart
[ organ ]
As winter chill may cause the tiny seed to fall to lie asleep till wake by summer's rain
The heart grown cold will warm and THROB with life anew
The Master's touch will bring the glow again
How big is God...
HOW BIG IS GOD!
Though man may strive to reach beyond the reef of space,
To crawl beyond the distant, shimmering stars.
This world's a room so small within my Father's house
The open sky but a portion of His yard..
v.2 as winter's chill may cause the tiny seed to fall
to lie asleep til waked by summer's rain
The heart grown cold will warm and throb with life anew
The Master's touch will bring the glow again!
HOW BIG IS GOD how great and wide His vast domain
to try to tell, these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule His mighty universe,
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed, and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head. If you insist that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my eyes. Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me.
Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat, I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often. Save me, by all means in your power from that fatal disease - the glanders. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when I am standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth, first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might not be of wood but of such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured and starved to death, but do thou, My Master, take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.
I know somewhere out in the world there is a gal for me
I'd like to find and make her mine how happy we would be
We wouldn't need a moonlight night to sit outdoors and spoon
Cause I would buy a rocket ship and take you to the moon
We would have our honeymoon on the rocket ship
We would fly from star to star on our wedding trip
You could make your wedding gown out of a big moonbeam
Sprinkle star dust in your hair you'd be a perfect dream
[ guitar ]
We'd sit on top of the universe with no one else around
I'd reach right out pick the stars and make you a pretty crown
I'd place it on your little head and kiss your smiling lips
As we glided out through space upon the rocket ship
We would have our honeymoon...
[ fiddle ]
Then we'd go strolling arm in arm along the Milky Way
We would visit every planet on your wedding day
We would laugh and love sweetheart and you could be my wife
We would find the land of love out there in paradise
[ guitar ]
We would have our honeymoon on the rocket ship
We would fly from star to star on your wedding trip
I'd take my old guitar along and we would softly croon
See the tree how big it's grown but friends it hasn't been too long
It wasn't big
I laughed at her and she got mad the first day that she planted it
Was just a twig
Then the first snow came and she ran out to brush the snow away
So it wouldn't die
Came running in all excited slipped and almost hurt herself
And I laughed till I cried
She was always young at heart kinda dumb and kinda smart
And I loved her so
I surprised her with a puppy kept me up all Christmas Eve
Two years ago
And it would sure embarrass her when I came home from working late
Cause I would know
That she'd been sitting there and crying
Over some sad and silly late late show
And honey I miss you and I'm being good
And I'd love to be with you if only I could
She wrecked the car and she was sad so afraid that I'd be mad
But what the heck
Though I pretended hard to be guess you could say she saw through me
And hugged my neck
I came home unexpectedly and found her crying needlessly
In the middle of the day
And it was in the early spring when flowers bloom and robins sing
She went away
And honey I miss you and I'm being good
And I'd love to be with you if only I could
Yes one day while I wasn't home while she was there and all alone
The angels came
Now all I have is memories of honey and I wake up nights
And call her name
Now my life's an empty stage where honey lived and honey played
And love grew up
A small cloud passes overhead and cries down on the flower bed
Where honey loved
And honey I miss you and I'm being good
As the night softly fell down upon the old corral
And the moon into the blue sky made its way
Not a sound could be heard but the song of some wild bird
As it hovered where the dying cowboy lay
Then he whispered goodnight to his cowboy pals so dear
As his head up on his saddle they did lay
"If you ever go home, you can tell them that I've gone
And am sleeping in a lonely western grave"
"Mother begged me not to stray, from the old home go away,
Though I loved her still her pleadings were in vain
Dry those tears boys please, don't cry, one more roundup we will ride
Where we'll know no heartaches, sorrows, tears or pain."
"Oh that dear old shady stream where oft times I used to dream
It was there I used to meet the girl I loved.
Bit I'll never see her more till we reach that golden shore.
Well look who's comin' through the door
I think we've met somewhere before hello love hello love
Where in the world have you been so long
I've missed you so since you've been gone hello love hello love
Make yourself feel right at home
I hope you plan on staying long come in love come in love
I must say I was sure surprised
You're the last thing I expected by hello love hello love
I've heard it said time and again you often go back where you've been
I really didn't believe it was true but I left the door unlocked for you
I'll try to please you in every way
Assure you of a pleasant stay this time love this time love
I've been so blue since you've been gone
Now you're back with me and nothing's wrong hello love hello love
[ ac.guitar ]
I've heard it said...
And it's wonderful now you're back with me
And things are like they used to be remember love remember love
You're back with me now and my world's complete
I've been lonely and so heartsick for you darling
Since the might I said that it must be goodbye,
Now that I broke your heart and left you lonely
Those mem'ries of you darling make me cry.
CHORUS
Those words sweetheart I wish I'd never spoken,
That to another I had gave my heart,
I find that I was wrong, but it's too late dear,
Forever we will be so far apart.
Gone are all the plans we dreamed and visioned,
Instead there's lonely nights, heartaches and pains,
I'd give this whole wide world if I could only
Be free to sit and dream you again.
How often in my dreams sweetheart I wander
To meet you there beneath the old oak tree,
To watch that same old moon in all its glory,
And tell our love as in the used to be.
CHORUS
Those words sweetheart I wish I'd never spoken,
That to another I had gave my heart,
I find that I was wrong, but it's too late dear,
Forever we will be so far apart.
Gone are all the plans we dreamed and visioned,
Instead there's lonely nights, heartaches and pains,
I'd give this whole wide world if I could only
A cowboy return to the scene of his childhood to his sweetheart of long long ago
But today he return she was wed to another tells the story of heartbreak and woe
Cowboy ridin' sorrow hidin' head bowed lonesome and blue
Church bells ringin' boy sat singin' someone sayin' adie
Love's old sweet song was never meant to turn out wrong
Even in a cowboy's song bout old pal I guess we strayed too long
Yes sir heaven bless her either caress her as we ride the heartbreak trail
If when you give the best of your service
Telling the world that the Saviour has come
Be not dismayed when men don't believe you
He'll understand and say well done
Misunderstood the Saviour of sinners
Hung on the cross He was God's only son
Oh, hear Him calling His Father in Heaven
Let not my will, but Thine be done.
Chorus
Oh when I come to the end of my journey
Weary of life and the battle is won
Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption
He'll understand and say well done
Oh when this life of labor is ended
And the reward of the race you have run
Oh the sweet rest that's prepared for the faithful
Will be his blest and final "Well done"
But if you try and fail in your trying
Hands sore and scarred from the work you've begun
Take up your cross and run quickly to meet Him
I loved you before you met him
And I loved you even after you were wed
I told you I'd never forget you
That I'd be here when his love was dead
Now you're back in my arms and I'm happy
And I guess he knows just where he stands
Cause when he lied and cheated on you
That's when he dropped the world in my hands
[ guitars ]
Didn't he realize what he was losing
To give you up he must have been insane
And to him it just didn't seem to matter
That his love was another man's game
It's his right if he wants to be a fool
But I wonder if he really understands
That when he gave your love back to me
I'm handcuffed to the only love I knew
Yet I never committed any crime
Like a prisoner alone in his cell
I'm hundcuffed to the love I've thought was mine
There's no way out and no one to ease my pain
My memories are haunting me in vain
You promised to be always at my side forever until the end of time
Now you're laughing at the tears I cannot hide
I'm hundcuffed to the love I've thought was mine
[ guitar + vibes ]
I'm handcuffed to the only love I knew
Like a prisoner a serving a lifetime
Oh Lord I need your helping hand
I'm hundcuffed to the love I've thought was mine
There's no way out and no one to ease my pain
My memories are haunting me in vain
I pray you will return to me and remain until to end of time
Please open the pathway to your heart
Gypsy feet will wander Gypsy feet will stray
Neither love nor thunder can ever make them stay
I can't tame a heart so wild like a jungle drum it beats
Were you born a devil child with the restless gypsy feet
Gypsy feet keep dancing to the tune of violin
Just like devil's prancing you dance away your sins
If I could tame your restless heart would make my life complete
But I can't put an anchor on your gypsy feet
[ guitar ]
My picture's in your locket on that golden chain
Money's in your pocket and you're gone again
Gypsy lips will promise vows that they never keep
Hearts like mine are crumbled beneath your gypsy feet
Something about you mama that sure gives me the blues
Something about you mama that sure gives me the blues
It ain't your drop stich stockings it ain't your blue buckle shoes
You know pretty mama I'm bound to love you some
You know pretty mama I'm bound to love you some
Cause I've done more for you than anybody ever done you know it baby
Got me a pretty mama got me a bulldog too
Got me a pretty mama got me a bulldog too
My pretty mama don't love me but my bulldog do
[ trumpet - clarinet ]
There's been a groundhog rootin' round my yard at night
There's been a groundhog rootin' round my yard at night
For the way my mama been treatin' me he must be rootin' all right
Lord honey must be rootin' all right
Well I ain't no cheap man don't try to fool no girls
I ain't no cheap man don't try to fool no girls
(It's good to touch the green green grass of home)
The old hometown looks the same as I step down from the train
And there to meet me is my mama and papa
And down the road I look and there runs 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 meet me arms areaching smiling sweetly
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 that 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
And then suddenly I awake and look around me
At these cold grey walls that surround me
And as then that I realize that I was only dreaming
For there stands a guard and there's the sad old padre
Arm in arm we'll walk at daybreak
And once again I'll touch the green green grass of home
Yes they'll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree
You're a tired buckeroo little pal,
You've been ridin' hard all day little pal,
Soon the sandman will be callin'
As the twilight shadows fall
And you'll go ridin' down the milky way.
CHORUS
So lay your curly head upon your pillow
While your faithful dog stands watching over you,
Close your tired little eyes
While I croon a lullaby,
And you'll ride the trail to dreamland, buckeroo.
Mr. Moon is shining high up above,
And your eyes they soon will close my little love,
So sweet dreams until the dawn
When the sandman will be gone,
And a new day then will ghreet you buckeroo.
CHORUS
So lay your curly head upon your pillow
While your faithful dog stands watching over you,
Close your tired little eyes
While I croon a lullaby,
From old Montana down to Alabama
I've been before and I'll travel again
You triflin' women can't keep a good man down
You dealt the cards but you missed the play
So hit the road and be on your way
Gonna board the Golden Rocket and leave this town
I was a good engine a runnin' on time
But baby I'm switchin' to another line
So honey never hang your signal out for me
I'm tired of runnin' on the same old track
Bought a one way ticket and I won't be back
This Golden Rocket's gonna blow my blues away
[ guitar ]
Hear that lonesome whistle blow
That's your cue and by now you know
That I got another true love waitin' in Tennessee
This midnight special is burnin' the rail
So woman don't try to follow my tail
This Golden Rocket's gonna blow my blues away
Hear her thunder on through the night
This Golden Rocket is doin' me right
And that sunny southland sure is a part of me
Now from your call board earse my name
Your fire went out you done lost your flames
And this Golden Rocket is rollin' my blues away
[ guitar ]
That old conductor he seemed to know
That you done me wrong I was feelin' low
For he yelled aloud we're over that Dixon Line
The brakeman started singin' a song
Said you're worried now but it won't be long
This Golden Rocket is leavin' your blues behind
Then the porter yelled with his southern drawl
Let's rise and shine good mornin' y'all
And I sprang to my feet to greed the new born day
As I kissed my baby at the station door
The whistle blew like it never before
Oh the gold rush is over so honey bye bye
Stake out your claim now on some other guy
I've wined you and dined you till my money is gone
But the gold rush is over and the bum's rush is on
Now when I had the money honey things were just fine
You spent my money like I was a mine
But now you mistreat me cause my money is gone
So gold diggin' mama you can start moving on
[ guitar ]
You shoveled out the sweet talk when the pay dirt was big
Now all you shovel out is just a dirty dig
Well stop digging honey cause you're wasting your time
This old gravy train is at the end of the line
Oh the gold rush is over...
[ fiddle ]
You've been out prospecting all around on the side
But this old mule now has had his last ride
So start walking woman cause your grubstake is gone
The gold rush is over and the bum's rush is on
In a class room at the grade school just before the Hollidays
Boys and girls were writing notes to Santa far away
Expect a lad who sat alone his paper put away
And when his teacher asked him why so softly he did say
Oh God is my Santa Claus each and every day
I don't write him letters ma'm I just kneel and pray
Don't you know his greatest gift salvation is afound
God is my Santa Claus each day the whole you're round
[ ac.guitar ]
Then the teacher stood in silence after what the child had said
He really knew real Christmas day and not from books he'd read
He truly met real Santa Clause he said him just one word
God gave his praise for Christmas day my Santa Clause is God
(God is my Santa Claus each and every day
I don't write him letters ma'm I just kneel and pray)
Do you know his greatest gift salvation is afonud
It was early in the fall and a blowin' up a squall
From the trestle you could hear the weirdest moans
With a mighty lonesome cry came a whistle from the sky
And it chilled the very marrow in my bones
Then a loud rushing roar like you never heard before
Turned the blood to icy water in my veins
As I watched with rising fear something strange was drawing near
And I saw in the clouds ghost trains
(Ghost trains ghost trains what a fearful sight)
The Cannonball and No 9 were racing through the night
Just as they passed me by I heard the engineer cry
Give her coal give her coal shovel it on
You could see the fireman grinning in the engine that was winning
But I knew before the finish they'd be gone
(Well he knew before the fisnish they'd be gone)
You could see the drivers roll as they shovelled on the coal
And the black smoke came pouring from the stacks
As they thundered through the sky I am here to testify
You could hear the wheels a clickin' on the tracks
Through the smoke and the steam you could see the headlights gleam
Now I have no proof but still the fact remains
You may doubt it but I swear there were cinders in my hair
When I saw in the clouds ghost trains
(Ghost trains ghost trains what a fearful sight)
The Cannonball and No 9 were racing through the night
Just as they passed me by I heard the engineer cry
Give her coal give her coal shovel it on
You could see the fireman grinning in the engine that was winning
As I watched I saw them fade into the dawn
It's knowing 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 shacked by forgotten words and bons
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
That keeps you in the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It's not clinging to the rocks and I'd be planted on their columns now that binds me
Or somethin' that somebody said because they thought we fit together walking
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 moving on the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Though the wheet fields and the clothes lines
And the junk yards and the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother cause she turned and I was gone
I still run in silence tears of joy might stain my face
And 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 flowing gentle on my mind
I dipped my cup of soap back from a gurgling crackling caltron in some train yard
My beard a roughen coal pile and a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands round a tin can I pretend I hold you to my breast and find
That you're waving from the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
Ever smiling ever gentle on my mind
That you're waving from the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
Have you ever heard a love song that you didn't understand
Were you ever in a teahouse on the Island of Japan
And have you ever traveled over many thousand miles
To see a pretty Geisha girl dressed in Oriental style
They've read it in the tea leaves and it's written in the sand
I found love by the heartful in the foreign distant land
Tell the homefolks that I'm happy with someone who's true I know
I love a pretty Geisha girl where the ocean breezes blow
[ piano - guitar ]
I have stood and watched the sunrise by the waters of the sea
And wondered how much beauty in this whole world can that be
My dreams are all worth dreaming and it makes my life worth while
To see a pretty Geisha girl dressed in Oriental style
(They've read it in the tea leaves and it's written in the sand
I found love by the heartful in the foreign distant land)
Tell the homefolks that I'm happy with someone who's true I know
I thought I was a gambler broke every shock in town
Until I met a rounder who called all I put down
We laid the cards on the table he drew an Ace high hand
He bet his watch and I called it and lost my money like a man
I've got them polka dot blues oh them polka dot blues
Lost my hat and my coat and my straight lace shoes
Sold my watch and went back to lose
The mean old gambling polka dot blues
[ guitar ]
Now my gal had plenty so I got Twenty then went back and sat down
I got a Four but I thought it was more as we dealt the cards around
I set the deck on the table and bet him all I could stand
I turned over a measly Four he had another Ace-high hand
I've got them polka dot blues...
If you ever go across the sea to Ireland
Then maybe at the closing of the day
You will sit and watch the moon rise over Claddagh
And see the sun go down on Galway Bay
Just to hear again the ripple of the trout stream
The women in the meadows making hay
And to sit beside a turf fire in the cabin
And watch the barefoot gossoons at their play
(For the strangers came and tried to teach us their way
They scorned us just for being what we are
But they might as well go chasing after moonbeans
Or light a penny candle from a star)
And if there's is goin' to be a life hereafter
And somehow I am sure there's going to be
I will ask my God to let me make my heaven
From a jack to a king from loneliness to a wedding ring
I played an Ace and I won a Queen and walked away with your heart
From a jack to a king with no regrets I stackled the cards last night
And Lady Luck played her hand just right to make me king of your heart
For just a little while I thought that I might lose the game
Then just in time I saw the twinkle in your eye
From a jack to a king from loneliness to a wedding ring
I played an Ace and I won a Queen you made me king of your heart
[ guitar ]
Far across the deep blue water lives an old German's daughter
By the banks of the old River Rhine
Where I loved her and lost her but I can't forget her
Cause I miss my pretty Fraulein
(Fraulein Fraulein look up toward the heavens)
Each night when the stars start to shine
(By the same stars above you I swear that I love you)
Cause you are my pretty Fraulein
[ piano ]
When my memories wander away over yonder
To the sweetheart that I left behind
In a moment of glory a face comes before me
The face of my pretty Fraulein
Fraulein Fraulein walk down by the river
(Pretend that your hands are holding mine)
By the same stars above you I swear that I love you
How long will my teardrops be falling for you
Forever and one day forever and two
How long will my arms ache to hold only you
Forever and one day forever and two
Loving you with all my heart believing you loved me
But an immitation love was all you gave to me
How long will my sweet dreams never come true
Forever and one day forever and two
[ guitar ]
Loving you with all my heart...
Don't look so sad I know it's over
But life goes on and this old world will keep on turnin'
Let's just be glad we had some time to spend together
There's no need to watch the bridges that were burnin'
Lay your head upon my pillow hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops blowing soft across 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'll ever need me
Don't say a word about tomorrow or forever
There'll be time enough for sadness when you leave me
For sale one ring that's on your finger (it's such a pretty thing)
For sale my memories that linger (I remember everything)
For sale our home that stood on lover's lane
The roses in the backyard will never seem the same
For sale one pillow stained from crying
For sale one soul that's tired from trying
You said to me it was never meant to be
So goodbye good luck for sale
For sale one ring that's on my finger (it's such a pretty thing)
You say your memories will linger (I remember everything)
For sale our home that stood on lover's lane
The roses in the backyard will never seem the same
You say your pillow's stained from cryin' (I'm so sad and blue)
You say your soul iss tired from tryin' (don't know what to do)
But it was plain to see it was never meant to be
For now and always
I'll hold you tight, day and night
Keep the love light burnin' bright in my heart for you
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
I'll break a date to roller skate
To set up late just to wait at the gate for you
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
Can't you see you'll always be the one for me
'Cause I'll always be in love with you
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
I'll do the chores, I'll sweep the floors
I'll run the stores, 'cause I'll always adore you
(CHORUS)
Love is like a roller coaster
Riding up and down
Gonna make a great big coaster
Spread the news around
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
I can't deny my heart will fly
Up to the sky when I sing a lullaby to you
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
I'll do my work like a Turk
I'll never shirk, I'll be a butcher boy or clerk for you
(BRIDGE)
Not for a day, not for a year
Not for a century, but forever dear
For now and always
Just for your sake the time I'll take
A pretty bungalow I'll even learn to make for you
Pretty little sweetheart
I'll love you for now and always
Then there'll be three, you and me
And someone sweet as she can be who looks just like you
Pretty little sweetheart, pretty little sweetheart
(Keep a movin' keep a movin')
We've been followin' the sun ever since the day began and we're weary
(Keep a movin' keep a movin')
Tell the fading western light brings the shelter of the night so dreary
Followin' the sun all day move those mountains from our way
Wheels are turnin' hearts are yearnin' followin' the sun all day all day
We don't know where we'll land it may be just around the bend the troubles hiding
(Keep a movin' keep a movin')
But the sun is in the lead and that's all we'll ever need for guiding
Followin' the sun all day...
Everyday and wverywhere there's been something in the air growing stranger
(Keep a movin' keep a movin')
But we haven't heard a sound and the silence all around warns there's danger
It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done
To be so in love with you and so alone
Follow me where I go what I do and who I know
Make it part of you to be a part of me
Follow me up and down all the way and all around
Take my hand and I will follow too
It's long been on my mind you know it's been a long long time
I'll try to find a way that I can make you understand
The way I feel about you just how much I need you
To be there where I can talk to you when there's no one else around
Follow me where I go...
You see I'd like to share my life with you and show you things I've seen
Places where I'm going to places where I've been
To have you there beside me and never feel alone
And all the time that you're with me then we will be at home
Follow me where I go what I do and who I know
Make it part of you to be a part of me
Summer's gone and wintertime's a comin'
And where I am ain't where I wanna be
I can hear my southern home a callin'
And it's callin' out that old wide goose and me
I got kids and kin down in Kentucky I got lots of aunts in Alabam
Mom's a waitin' down in Mississippi and my sist's in Carolina's honey land
Flyin' flyin' south to Dixie Lord I've been so lonesome and alone
Stayin' ain't no use because my heart's an old wild goose
And so tomorrow I'll be flyin' south for home
[ guitar - fiddle ]
Grandma and grandpa's down in Georgia
And my sweetheart's down in Tennessee
There's a little part of all the southland in my heart
And honey in the south is where I wanna be
Summer's gone and wintertime's a comin'
And where I am ain't where I wanna be
I can hear my southern home a callin'
And it's callin' out that old wide goose and me
Flyin' flyin' south to Dixie...
Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder why could it be thus all the day long
When 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
When death has come and taken our loved ones it leaving our home so lonely and drear
Then do we wonder why others prosper living so wicked year after year
Twas a balmy summer evening and a goodly crowd was there
Which well-nigh filled Joe's barroom on the corner of the square
And as songs and witty stories came through the door
A vagabond crept slowly in and posed upon the floor
Where did it come from someone said the wind has blown it in
What does it want another cried some whiskey rum or gin
Here Toby seek him if your stomach's equal to the work
I wouldn't touch him with a fork he's filthy as a Turk
This baninage the poor wretch took with stocial good grace
In fact he smiled as though he though he'd struck the proper place
Come boys I know there'd kindly hearts among so good a crowd
To be in such good company would make a deacon proud
Give me a drink that's what I want I'm out of funds you know
When I had cash to treat the gang this hand was never slow
What you laugh as though you thought this pocket never held a sov
I once was fixed as well my boys as any one of you
There thanks that's braced me nicely God bless you one and all
Next time I pass this good saloon I'll make another call
Give you a song no I can't do that my singing days are past
My voice is cracked my throat's worn out and my lungs are going fast
Say give me another whiskey and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll tell you a funny story and a fact I promise too
That I was ever a decent man not one of you would think
But I was some four or five years back say give me another drink
Fill her up Joe I want to put some life into my frame
Such little drinks to a bum like me are miserably tame
Five fingers there that's the scheme and corking whiskey too
Well here's luck boys and landlord my best regards to you
You've treated me pretty kindly and I'd like to tell you how
I came to be the dirty sot you see before you now
As I told you once I was a man with muscle frame and health
And but for a blunder ought to have made considerable wealth
I was a painter not one that daubed on bricks and wood
But an artist and for my age was rated pretty good
I worked hard at my canvas and was bidding fair to rise
For gradually I saw the star of fame before my eyes
I made a picture perhaps you've seen 'tis called the Chase of Fame
It brought me fifteen hundred pounds and added to my name
And then I met a woman now comes the funny part
With eyes that petrified my brain and sunk into my heart
Why don't you laugh 'tis funny that the vagabond you see
Could ever love a woman and a expect her love for me
But 'twas so and for a month or two her smiles were freely given
And when he loving lips touched mine it carried me to heaven
Did you ever see a woman for whom your soul you'd give
With a form like the Milo Venus too beautiful to live
With eyes that would beat the Koh-i-noor and a wealth of chesnut nair
If so 'twas she for there never was another half so fair
I was working on a portrait one afternoon in May
Of a fair haired boy a friend of mine who lived across the way
And Madeline admired it and much to my surprise
Said that she'd like to know the man that had such dreamy eyes
It didn't take long to know him and before the month had flown
My friend had stolen my darling and I was left alone
And eve a year of misery had possed above my head
The jewel I had treasured so had tarnished and was dead
That's why I took to drink boys why I never saw you smile
I thought you'd be amused and laughing all the while
Why what's the matter friend there's a teardrop in your eye
Come laugh like me 'tis only babes and woman that should cry
Say boys if you give me just another whiskey I'll be glad
And I'll draw right here a picture of the face that drove me mad
Give me that piece of chalk with which you mark the baseball score
You shall see the lovely Madeline upon the barroom floor
Another drink and with chalk in hand the vagabond began
To sketch a face that well might buy the soul of any man
Then as he placed another lock upon the shapely head
Diesel smoke climbin' to the clear blue sky I sit here wonderin' wanderin' why
I leave her everytime I love her
Green grass growin' by picket fence Lord I just don't make no sense
But I leave her everytime I love her
I guess it's just to my blood to roam I ain't never had no permanent home
So I leave her everytime I love her
I guess it's just knowin' that she'll be there
With her dark brown eyes and her yellow hair
And I love her Lord knows I love her
Though my mind's dis-satisfied just a hoppin' that big ole Mack and ride
And leave her everytime I love her
I guess it's just to my blood to roam I ain't never had no permanent home
So I leave her everytime I love her
[ guitar - steel ]
One of these days I wanna go back
To that yelllow haired girl and the tumble down shack
And never leave her all I do is love her
Well I guess to that I'll be content
Just to drivin' this track and sendin' home the rent
And leave her everytime I love her
Well I guess it's just to my blood to roam I ain't never had no permanent home
So I leave her everytime I love her
Now talk about Hawaii I didn`t know it was so grand
I pick me out a hula hula girl before my boat could land everybody does it in Hawaii
Now she`s got it here and she`s got it there
Her lips are red her little ole feet are bare
She shy on close but I don`t care cause everybody does it in Hawaii
(Instrumental)
Now when I leave Hawaii when I leave ole Waikiki
I`m goin` to take my hula hula girl and bring her back with me
Cause everybody does it in Hawaii
She`s got two pretty legs with dimple knees
Two brown arms and they know how to squeeze
A little child on a sickbed lay and death was very near
She was the pride and only child of a railroad engineer
His duty had called him from those he loved and seeing that hope was dim
While a tear he shed to his wife he said just have two lanterns trimmed
Just hang a light as I pass tonight hang it where it can be seen
If our baby's dead just show the red if she's better then show the green
[ fiddle ]
In a little house by the railroad track a mother with watchful eye
Saw a gleam of hope and a feeble smile as the train went rushing by
Just one short look was his only chance to see the light agleam
In the midnight air there arose a prayer thank God the light was green
A laughing baby boy one evening in his play
Disturbed the household with his noisy glee
I warned him to be quiet but he soon would disobey
For he would soon forget a word from me
I called him to my side and said, "Now son you go to bed
Your conduct has been very, very rude"
With quivering lips and tear filled eyes he pleaded then with me
"Don't Make Me Go To Bed Papa And I'll Be Good."
Don't Papa and I'll be good
Don't Papa and I'll be good"
That's what I heard him say and it haunts me night and day
"Don't Make Me Go To Bed Papa And I'll Be Good."
Our lives have just been gladdened by his bright ascending beam
Our boy now in our hearts was very dear
We hastened to his bed one night he was talking in his sleep
He didn't seem to know that we were near.
I took him in my arms and found his body "raked" with pain
To ease the pain we did the best we could
It broke my heart to hear him cryin' loudly in his sleep
"Don't Make Me Go To Bed Papa And I'll Be Good."
All night and day we watched and prayed, we never left his side
To give him up it seemed we never could
It broke my heart to hear him crying just before he died
I've got a sort of lowdown feeling a sickness that is hard to describe
It ain't no use to call a doctor cause the cure I know he couldn't prescribe
Day by day I'm gradually failin' guess it's just a matter of time
It's started in my mind and infected my heart
Baby when you said goodbye
[ piano ]
I thought that I was slowly improvin' when the tears began to dry
Then I passed you on the corner and it took the rainbow out of my sky
So baby won't you hear my pleadin' your love would really pull me through
It would heal my troubled mind leave these heartaches behind
Cause you're the only cure for the blues
[ guitar ]
I strolled beside that muddy Mississippi and as the evening sun sank low
That naggin' deep inside said jump boy but the longin' in my heart said no
I guess that I'll continue on a walking and maybe Lady Luck will come through
Then contentment I will find in my troublesome mind
Cause baby you're the cure for the blues
Now if you're gonna cruise be sure that you'll choose Habana
Where the waters are green by that old Caribbean sea
And if you stay there awhile you'll soon like their style of rhythm
You'll learn the Cuba Rhumba the dance that everyone does
And when you dance with the sweet senorita you meet in the moonlight
You'll forget way of prom and you'll never wanna come home
And in a tropical way you'll learn how to say manana
And the Cuba Rhumba will have you under its spell
[ guitar ]
If you'll hear Spanish guitars out under the stars in Cuba
While the dancers are swayin' as long as I'm playin' tune
And if you're tappin' your feet to the beat of that native music
Then the Cuba Rhumba has got you under its spell
Beneath the tripical sky you'll be tryin' two step to the rhythm
And you'll shout all day in the way the native all do
And then you'll walk in a trance and just wanna dance to Rhumba
Cryin’, cryin’
Prayin’, prayin’
Waitin’, waitin’
Hopin’, hopin’.
I keep cryin’, cryin’
Prayin’, prayin’
Waitin’, waitin’
Hopin’, hopin’.
That someday you’ll come back and understand
I keep wishin’, wishin’, wantin’, wantin’
Cravin’, cravin’, beggin’, beggin’
That someday you will come back again.
(Instrumental)
I love you so
Why did you go
Why didn't you stay
I need you so
Oh why oh why did you go away
Oh why oh why didn't you stay
I keep cryin’, cryin’
Prayin’, prayin’
Waitin’, waitin’
Hopin’, hopin’.
That someday you'ill come back and understand
I keep waiting, waiting
Wanting, wanting
Crying, crying
Begging, begging
That someday you'll come back again
(Instrumental)
You said that you would always be true
That you would never, never make me blue
But someone else then came along
And now I’m left all alone...
(Instrumental)
I keep cryin’, cryin’
Prayin’, prayin’
Waitin’, waitin’
Hopin’, hopin’.
That someday you'ill come back and understand
I keep waiting, waiting
Wanting, wanting
Crying, crying
Begging, begging
All day I've faced a barren waste without the taste of water cool water
Old Dan and I with throats burt dry and souls that cry for water cool clear water
The nights are cool and I'm a fool each star's 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 movin' Dan don't you listen to him Dan
He's a devil not a man and he spreads the burning sand with water
Oh Dan can you see that big green tree where the water's runnin' free
And it's waitin' there for you and me
[ strings ]
The shadows sway and seem to say tonight we pray for water cool water
And way up there he'll hear our prayer
And show us where there's water cool clear water
Dan's feet are sore he's yearnin' for just one thing more than water cool water
Like me I guess he'd like to rest where there's no quest of water cool clear water
Oh consience I'm guilty I'm guilty again
Now I'm driving home slowly my spirit's so low
I cheated on her again and why I'll never know
I hope I don't look too guilty when she lets me in
Oh conscience don't ever let me do that again
Oh conscience I'm guilty and I must confess
Why I kissed her I knew I love the other one best
I've been out with an old flame who's heart's full of sin
Oh conscience don't ever let me do that again
[ piano - guitar ]
Between right and the wrong the love and desire
This game that I'm playing more dangers than fire
I might talk in my sleep or be caught by her friend
Oh conscience don't ever let me do that again
Everyone that I meet on the street tells me I look so sad
I just lost my gal and the truest love I ever had
Left the trouble in mind here behind Lord I wish I was dead
This ravin' and cravin' around of my old heart it hurts me so
I was born to be blue not a dream to come true don't know
I'm hazy half crazy oh where did my sweet baby go
[ steel ]
I'm weak and I'm weary so worn out from cryin' for you
No use tryin' sleepin' I can't sleep without weepin' that's true
There's no one to turn to oh where can I find you my own
Yes I'll have to start quittin' just sittin' here singin' these blues
When I'm singin' it seems to keep bringin' old mem'ries of you
So lonely if only you'd help me Lord what can I do
[ guitar ]
Slowly losin' my mind that's where these tears I can't find with a turn
Way down deep in your soul is your love full of spark that still burns
Come live with me and be my love share my bread and wine
Be wife to me be life to me be mine
Come live with me and be my love let our dreams combine
Be mate to me be fate to me be mine
With these hands I'll build a roof to shield your head
Yes and with these hands I'll carve the wood for a babybed
Oh come live with me and won't you be my love so I can love you all the time
Be part of me be the heart of me be mine
[ guitar ]
I'll try to do my best for you I promise you
And I'll laugh with you and I'll cry with you my whole life through
Oh come live with me and won't you be my love share my bread and wine
(The rippling rills the cataract spills the whippoorwill thrills)
Take a look at the sky where the whippoorwill thrills
And the mountains so high where the cataract spills
Take a look at the falls and the rippling rills
Hear the wanderlust call of the whispering hills
(The rippling rills the cataract spills the whippoorwill thrills)
Ooh ooh (the rippling rills the cataract spills the whippoorwill thrills)
Let me live on the range where the tumbleweeds grow
Let the silver sands change where the prairie winds blow
Let the wanderer sing where the wanderers go
Let the melody ring for he's happy I know
(The wanderers go the prairie winds blow the tumbleweeds grow)
Ooh ooh (the wanderers go the prairie winds blow the tumbleweeds grow)
Let me follow the trail where the buffalo roam
Let a silver cloud sail where the settin' sun shone
Let the lobo wolf wail in a broken heart tone
Let it storm let it gale still the prairie's my home
(A broken heart tone the seting sun shone the buffalo roam)
Ooh ooh (a broken heart tone the seting sun shone the buffalo roam)
Have you ever been down to Haiti when the summer sun was sinkin' low
There's nothing but romance just everwhere you glance
And the native hearts are all aglow
But when the Cuban Queen comes upon the scene
They all stare like a statue out of stone
When they realize what's before their eyes the other girls are left all alone
Down in the Caribbean it's not a dream you're seein'
When you get a glimpse of the lady with the charm
And from miles away you can see her sway
To the beat of the Cuban Conga line that forms
Up in a tree so high way up in the sky sits a wide eyed monkey on a limb
He wonders why the people go to so much trouble just to try to be like him
He doesn't understand that it's a lady's hand that makes a heart feel so sublime
And before too long he starts singing the song and then he gets in the Conga line
[ guitar ]
Columbus searched for spices but he missed the nicest part of the Caribbean
He didn't see the charms and the open arms it was the gold that he was seein'
But I'm glad he missed the sweetest thing I've kissed cause we're on our honeymoon
And I'm so sorry Chris to talk about you like this
But you were five hundred years too soon
Hey pretty mama I'm as blue as the skies above
Hey pretty mama you're the only woman I love
And your daddy's gonna love you but I just can't have you blues
Honey ease my mind
You told me if I called you on the phone tonight you'd be in
What makes you tell me them lies when you know it's a doggone sin
I guess I'll have to settle for them lovin' can't have you blues
She just wasn't there that's all
[ guitar ]
You may be havin' your fun you may be out on the run that's fine
But a love like yours baby someday is bound to go blind
So come home because your daddy's got them love you can't have you blues
You gotta change your mind
[ fiddle ]
I've reached my verdict that you women are all the same
You run away and leave me then you say I got myself to blame
So come on back daddy's got them love you can't have you blues
I'll never change my mind
[ guitar ]
If I look at the wall that old wall looks back at me
Everywhere that I look it's the same old color to me blue
Baby oh baby tell the man at the ticket stand that you've changed your mind
Let me run on out and tell the cab to keep his meter flyin'
Cause if you say goodbye to me babe you're gonna break my mind
Break my mind break my mind
No I just can't stand to hear them big jet engines whine
Break my mind break my mind oh Lord
If you leave you're gonna leave a babblin' fool behind
[ piano - guitar ]
Baby oh baby let me take your suitcase off of the scales in time
Tell the man that you've suddenly developed a thing about flyin'
Cause if you say goodbye to me babe you're gonna break my mind
Break my mind...
Blue sea keep a rolling on your weary way
My sweetie has left me she done drifted away
She hopped a big ocean liner headed out to the sea
And left a world full of worries on the beach with me
[ fiddle - guitar ]
I know that she's sorry cause she left me this way
So hurry and tell her to sail back to me
And when you find the big steamship just look for this sign
Blue rose of the Rio I can see her now
As she looked that day when I rode away through a golden dawn
It was there by the Rio that we made our vows
Then we kissed goodbye what a fool was I fore I traveled on
I should have known as we kissed such heaven as this could only be
Paradise's lost if it would tossed away so free
Must I wish for manana that will never come true
Blue rose of the Rio my answer is you
It's been a blue blue day I feel like running away
I feel like running away from it all
My love has been untrue she's found somebody new
It's been a blue blue day for me
I feel like crying dying what can I do
I feel like praying saying I'm glad we're through
It's been a blue blue day I feel like running away
I feel like running away from the blues
[ guitar - piano ]
How can I make believe that I don't sit and grieve
It's been a blue blue day for me
I can't pretend and say that I don't love her anyway
It's been a blue blue day for me
I feel like crying dying...
When I see blossoms in the springtime
I know that sweetheart time is here
My love that blossoms in the springtime
Blooms in my heart all through the year
I love the blossoms in the springtime
Kissed by the sunshine and the rain
I love to hold you oh my darling
When kisses bloom in sweet heart lane
[ guitar ]
Sometimes a sparkle of love may smoulder
Never to flame all winter long
Then like the blossoms in the springtime
Burst with the first red robin song
Oh them big wheels are turning going somewhere
And they're carrying her away from my side
Yes I cried thought I'd die
Love was just a game to me I thought I'd never cry
I thought she'd be the loser but standing here am I
And that long train is rolling going somewhere
And it's carrying her away from my side
Yes I cried thought I'd die
[ piano ]
A broken heart is something that I have never had
But I learned the hard way didn't know it hurt so bad
And them big wheels are turnin' going somewhere
And it's carryinG her away from my side
(Yes he cried thought he'd die)
This burnin' love unwanted this love that never dies
Keeps right on a hurting no matter how I try
And that old rattler rolling going somewhere
And it's carrying her away from my side
Yes I cried thought I'd die
[ guitar ]
Many years I've fooled around and many years I've lied
I'd always be a leaving with that suitcase by my side
But that big engine's rolling going somewhere
And it's carrying her away from my side
You're mine for awhile till a new face appears
And then you're no longer with me
They call me a fool and laugh at my tears
For they know I'll never be free
Between fire and water that's where you got me
I get burned every time I'm with you
Between fire and water I cry an ocean
Cause without you I'm bluer than blue
My love cannot die if you break my heart
I'll want you the rest of my days
I try to forget that each time I start
I'm still but a slave to your way
Between fire and water...
[ guitar ]
Ben Dewberry was a brave engineer
He told his fireman don't you ever fear
All I want is the water and coal
Stick your head out the window watch the drivers roll
Watch the drivers roll watch the drivers roll
Stick your head out the window watch the drivers roll
Ben Dewberry said before he died
Two more roads that he wanted to ride
His fireman asked him what could they be
Said the old Northeastern and the A and B
Said the A and B it's the A and B
Said the old Northeastern it's the A and B
On the fatal morning it began to rain
Around the curve come a passenger train
Ben Dewberry was the engineer
With the throttle wide open and without any fear
He didn't have no fear he didn't have no fear
He had her running wide open without any fear
[ guitar ]
Ben looked at his watch shook his head
We may make Atlanta but we'll all be dead
The train was flying by the troubling switch
Without any warning then she took the ditch
Yeah she went in the ditch well she took the ditch
Without any warning then she took the ditch
Well the big locomotive leaped from the rail
Ben never lived to tell that awful tale
His life was ended and his work was done
When Ben Dewberry made his final run
He made his final run he made his final run
I Had Sunk As Low As A Man Could Go
The World Had Turned Me Dow --- own
Then You Picked Me Up And Kissed Me Sweet
You Changed A Beggar In-to A King
Yes You Took The Rags From Off Of My Back
And You Gave Me Your Love To Keep Me Warm
Yes You Picked Me Up And You Kissed Me Sweet
You Changed A Beggar In-to A King
I Had Walked The Streets With Head Bowed Low
The Sun For Me Would Never Shi --- ine
Then You Came A-long In-to My Life
And Changed The Beggar In-to A King
Yes You Took The Rags From Off Of My Back
And You Gave Me Your Love To Keep Me Warm
Yes You Picked Me Up And You Kissed Me Sweet
I'll pack my grip for a farewell trip Kiss
Susie Jane goodbye at the fountain
I'm going, said I, to the land of the sky
Away out on the mountain
Where the wild sheep grows and the buffalo lows
And the squirrels are so many you can't count them
Then I'll make love to some turtle dove
Way out on the mountain
When the north winds blow and we're gonna have snow And the rain and the hail comes bouncing
I'll wrap myself in a grizzly bear coat
Away out on the mountain
Where the snakes are vile and the zebras' wild
And the beavers paddle on walking canes
Then I'll send my boots with a buffalo hide
Away out on the mountain
Where the whippoorwills sing me to sleep at night
And the eagle roosts on the rocks of spontan
I;ll feast on the meat and the honey so sweet
Everybody calls me bo I got no money but I hold my row
Some folks say I'm just a no good guy
But I can ride for miles in old boxcar smoke cigarettes butts and used cigars
Ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line
Hear that lonesome whistle whine smell that perfume of Georgia pines
See that big moon roll above this hobo's life is a life I love
Ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line
[ piano ]
Well I had me a woman in Albany but a rowdy way's made a wreck of me
And I had to get away before I lost my mind
But as long as this rattler takes me around there ain't one woman gonna tie me down
Ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line
Hear that lonesome whistle whine Alabama and Caroline
Florida Georgia Tennessee a hobo's life is a life for me
Ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line
[ guitar ]
I make my coffee in a can but this bo ain't worried man
Morning sun greets me with the shine
I go south when the trade winds blow and I go north where there ain't no snow
Ridin' the Atlantic Coastal Line
Hear that lonesome whistle whine smell that perfume of Georgia pines
See that big moon roll above this hobo's life is a life I love
I've traveled this whole world over and now I'm goin' down to the rainbow's end
From twilight till dawn trudging on and on on my way to the rainbow's end
I'm weary and tired but I don't care I'm goin' down to the rainbow's end
No friends no home just travelin' alone I'm on my way to the rainbow's end
They say there are treasures of silver and gold burried down by the rainbow's end
But the treasure I'll find will bring me real peace of mind
When we come to the rainbow's end
Down in the garden there's a little white gate which most dream folks always attent
And just inside there's a little path that leads towards the rainbow's end
And down at the end there's a sign that reads love that will never die
Now no one can travel out the path no one but you and I
How I wish the little gate will open and that you might walk with me
Down to the end of that rainbow to the sign on that old oak tree
And how I wish that your arms would hold me and that your lips might touch mine too
Cause I can't travel up that path with anyone else but you
Say we can only stay for just a minute and we must never go back there again
But we'd know the sign on that old oak tree and we could see the rainbow's end
Then we'd swing the little gate shot again while the morning glorys would creep
And all of the sign's not old rainbow we can have our hearts for to keep
For someone has waited there all alone so I know at the rainbow's end
I'm writing this answer to the Galveston Rose
The answer to a sad, broken heart
My whole world, it crumbled when I read your last note
Saying, that we forever must part
Oh, I realize now you were innocent, dear
When in anger I said we were through
For as all the long years have passed slowly away
I find that I'll always love you
There were tears on your cheeks when I bid you goodbye
And you pleaded with me not to go
These last years I have paid for the wrong I have done
To my sweetheart the Galveston Rose
Now, they say you are resting in a lonely churchyard
Where the violets and red roses hide
And I pray when I die my request they will fill
And lay me to rest by your side
I have longed and I've yearned for you many a time
And wished I could undo the past
And hold you again in my arms tenderly
And live with you, dear, to the last
Now you've heard my sad answer to a flower so fair
One I loved more than anyone knows
With God's help I'll repay for the sorrow and tears
(spoken)
Well howdy boys, howdy, man, man it sure seems like a long time
since I last rode down this old trail. How ya all anyhow?
Fellas, you see, I still have this old cigar box with me. Yes Sir!
And better yet, all the boys out here at the R.K. Ranch are singin'
a new song now. Hope you like it because it's my answer to
The Blue Velvet Band. It goes like this.
By and old willow tree in the churchyard
On the banks of the old Rio Grande
Lies a loved one who died broken hearted
She was known as the Blue Velvet Band
She was called by the angels up yonder
As the dew kissed the pale summer rose
As we stood there in silence, dishearted
These words to her lover did go
Dear Jack, you mistrusted your darling
You said that my love wasn't true
You've roamed o'er the wide open spaces
But my thoughts, they were always of you
Now, my last wish was once more to see you
But they say you're in some foreign land
You're forgiveness is in this last message
From your heartbroken Blue Velvet Band
Far away o'er the lone western prairie
Her message sped fast o'er the way
To the side of a bed where her cowboy
Was grieving his life fast away
Please grant a last wish, boys, and lay me
Out West on that old Rio Grande
Neath that old willow tree in the churchyard
I was a stranger passing through your town
I was a stranger passing through your town
Well I asked you a favor good gal you turned me down
You may see me out a walking walking down that railroad track
You may see me out a walking walking down that railroad track
But good gal you done me wrong I ain't never coming back
[ fiddle ]
I've rode that old Southern I've rode that L & N
I've rode that old Southern I've rode that L & N
And if the police don't get I'm gonna ride them again
[ guitar ]
Some like Chicago some love Memphis Tennessee
Some like Chicago some love Memphis Tennessee
Hey pretty mama give me sweet Dallas Texas
Where the women think the world of me
[ guitar ]
I'm not singing the blues I'm just tellin' you the hard luck I've had
I'm not singing the blues I'm just tellin' you the hard luck I've had
There's nothing left for me of days that used to be
I lived in memory among my souvenirs
Some letters tied in blue a photograph or two
I see a rose from you among my souvenirs
A few more tokens rest within my treasure chest
And though they do their best to give me consolation
I count them all apart and as the teardrops start
I found a broken heart among my souvenirs
[ guitar - fiddle ]
I count them all apart and as the teardrops start
The world's a stage they say and we're all part of the play
And you were only acting when we met
You played the lover well so how could I foretell
That you would find another and forget
Act one our vows of love were spoken
Act two we were happy as could be
Act three our vow was broken
The play is ended dow the curtain drops for me
[ steel - guitar ]
It's really very cruel finding out I played the fool
I thought I was the leading man for you
How could I know I'd miss that grand finale kiss
And lose you in the end to someone new
A Mother wrote a letter asking how much longer must I wait
Before you send my boy back home to me
For my eyes are growing dim and I’m longing for my Jim
Please hurry up and let my boy go free.
The warden read the letter and a tear fell from his eye
Sitting down he wrote her this reply
There’s a little box of pine on the 7:29 bringing back a lost sheep to the fold
There’s a valley filled with tears as the train of sorrow nears
The night is dark and the world is growing cold
There he’s taking his last ride
Down the trail no more he’ll roam
On his face there is a smile
He know he’s going home
The church was filled with people as the organ softly played
On their knees the congregation prayed
As they softly sang a hymn for poor widow’s Jim
The sun was slowly setting
On the land of Vietnam
Our captain gave his orders
And I quickly took my stand
The guns were roaring fiercely
As our jets took off in flight
So I took this piece of paper
Mum, and to you I'd thought I'd write
Mum, I'm writing this from a treetop
I'm a sniper here by the way
And from where I sit I watch for the enemy
Cause as you know, they're our deadly prey
But while I was writing this line that says
"Dear Mother I love you so"
I heard a shot and when I looked my god
They had killed my best friend Joe
It was heartbreaking Mother
To see him lying there in tears
And wracked with pain
Our chaplin praying over him
And the doctor trying to ease his pain
As I hurried to the dreadful scene
I heard the doctor say
Im afraid his battles over
You see, Mom his chest was shot away
So I thought I might ease my saddened heart
And the pain of this horrible blow
And if this letter seems to be blurred a bit
Its from my tears that flow
But there's one consolation I have, Mom
And the great general in heaven
Knows how right I am
He gave his life for you and my sweetheart
And his all for Uncle Sam
I just came from the funeral
So I'll finish this to you
They wrapped him in Old Glory
The red, white, and the blue
I'd better take my post now
So please give my love to Sue
And I'll do my best for Uncle Sam
Oh it's crying time again you're gonna leave me
I can see that faraway look in your eyes
I can tell by the way you hold me darling
That it won't be long before it's crying time
Now they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder
And that tears are only rain to make love grow
For my love for you could never grow no stronger
If I live to be a hundred years old
(Oh it's crying time again you're gonna leave me
I can see that faraway look in your eyes
I can tell by the way you hold me darling
That it won't be long before it's crying time)
My ship set sail to Bluebird Island and slowly drifted out to sea
Her silver sails to cross the ocean my lover's lonely heart set free
Then out across the waves the blusbirds came one day
Out o'er the silver sea your message brought to me
To sail my ship of love along the moonlit bay
And anchor in the harbor of your heart
The trade winds there on Bluebird Island soon dried her lonely tears away
The treasure eye found broken hearted was locked within my heart to stay
[ fiddle - steel ]
Tonight I'm blue for old Hawaii my weary soul is lonesome too
You left me blue and broken hearted I've got them old Hawaii blues
(Your big blue eyes and dark brown curls dear made skies of grey turn into blue
But now you've gone and lost forever I've got them old Hawaii blues)
[ guitar ]
You left me down where drowsy waters roll on the shores of paradise
You've had your way dear and we have parted for you old pal I dream tonight
Perhaps some day your mind will wander back to the one who loves you true
On the raging field of battle in a dugout dark and cold
Lies a soldier in tears and wracked with pain.
We gathered close beside him as our Captain said a prayer,
We knew his chance to live was all in vain.
He opened up his big blue eyes ans smiled thro' flowing tears,
These last few words then to our Captain told
"In this pocket by my heart, sir, is a message, send it please
And with it send this little band of gold".
I promised you sweetheart someday I'd meet you,
Your tender form close to my heart I'd fold,
But I'll never fill that promise, I have trod the last long mile,
But I'm sending you your little band of gold.
We laid him down in silence, t'was so hard to leave him there.
Our hearts were heavy as we walked away,
But we know tonight in Heaven there's another soldier boy
Who'll be marked a hero on that Judgement Day.
We wrote his dear old mother, sent his love to folks back home,
And told her God had called him to the Fold.
And the message to his darling we so carefully mailed away
Darlin’ I am, oh so blue, found the things that I gave you.
You returned them when you said that we must part.
I have kept them through the years, they are treasured souvenirs,
And mark an anniversary of my broken heart.
Just a rose from your hair, long ago I placed it there.
Tho’ it’s faded and the petals fall apart.
And the fragrance went away, but it’s just as sweet today,
It marks an anniversary of my broken heart.
A golden ring to me so dear, old love letters stained with tears,
Had I only known the future from the start,
Then there’d be no soul to pine for the love that I thought mine,
Or no anniversary of my broken heart.
Tho’ I know it’s all in vain, ev’ry treasure will remain
Even tho’ the past has torn my world apart.
I kissed your picture, then I cried, for these mem’ries, deep inside
Where are you old moon of Kentucky
There's somebody lonesome and blue
We're nothing it seems but mem'ries and dreams
Waiting to whisper to you
Day is done and here am I alone and you know why
Roll along roll along Kentucky moon
Shed a ray of silver light on one I love tonight
Roll along roll along Kentucky moon
You were watching on high when she whispered goodbye
Twas our love dream that ended too soon
But wherever she may be go bring her back to me
Roll along roll along Kentucky moon
[ vibes ]
At dawning fond hopes come to cheer me
But twilight brings sorrows and you
The night finds me yearn the world outside burn
Sending this message to you
I wanted the gold and I sought it I scrabbled and mucked like a slave
Was it famine or scurvy I fought it I hurled my youth into a grave
I wanted the gold and I got it came out with a fortune last fall
Yet somehow life's not what I thought it and somehow the gold isn't all
No there's the land have you seen it it's the cussedest land that I know
From the big dizzy mountains that screen it to the deep death-like valleys below
Some say God was tired when he made it some say it's a fine land to shun
Maybe but there's some that would trade it for no land owner and I'm one
You come to get rich that's a good reason you feel like an exile at first
You hate it like hell for a season and then you're worse than the worst
It grips you like some kinds of sinning it twists you from foe to a friend
It seems it's been since the beginning it seems it will be to the end
I've stood in some mighty mouthed-hollow that's plumb full of hush to the brim
I've watched the big husky sun wallow in crimson and gold and grow dim
Till the moon set the pearly peaks gleaming and the stars tumbled out neck and crop
And I thought that I surely was dreaming with the peace of the world piled on top
The summer no sweeter was ever the sunshiny woods all a thrill
The grayling a leap in the river the bighorn asleep on a hill
The strong life that never knows harness the wilds where the caribou call
The freshness the freedom the farness oh God how I'm stuck on it all
The winter the brightness that blinds you the white land locked tight as a drum
The cold fear that follows and finds you the silence that bludgeons you dumb
The snows that are older than history the woods where the weird shadows slant
The stillness the moonlight the myst'ry I'd bade them goodbye but I can't
There's a land where the mountains are nameless
And the rivers all run God knows where
There are lives that are erring and aimless and deaths that just hang by a hair
There are hardships that nobody reckons there are valleys unpeopled and still
There's a land oh how it beckons and beckons and I want to go back and I will
They're making my money diminish I'm sick of the taste of champagne
Thank God when I'm skinned to a finish I'll pike to the Yukon again
I'll fight and you bet it's no sham fight it's hell but I've been there before
And it's better than this by a damn sight so me for the Yukon once more
There's gold and its haunting and haunting it's luring me on as of old
Yet it isn't the gold that I'm wanting so much as just finding the gold
It's the great big broadland way up yonder it's the forest where silence has lease
When I lost my baby I almost lost my mind
When I lost my baby I almost lost my mind
My head is in a spin since she left me behind
(It's killin' me)
I pass a million people I can't tell who I meet
I pass a million people don't know who I meet
Cause my eyes are full of tears where can my baby be
(Pick it son)
[ guitar ]
I went to see the Gypsy and I had my fortune read
I went to see the Gypsy had my fortune read
Then I hung my head in sorrow when she said what she said
(What she said honey)
Now I can tell you people the news was not so good
Now I can tell you people the news was not so good
Well I never felt more like singing the blues
Cause I never thought that I'd ever lose
Your love dear why'd you do me this way
Well I never felt more like crying all night
Cause everything's wrong and nothing ain't right
Without you you got me singing the blues
The moon and stars no longer shine
The dream is gone I thought was mine
There's nothing left for me to do but cry over you
Well I never felt more like running away
But why should I go cause I couldn't stay
Without you you got me singing the blues
[ fiddle - guitar ]
Ev’ry day I listen to the surging tide,
And I always wonder why the sea’s so wide;
Miles of salty water, endless skies above,
Stretch out far between me and the one I love.
CHORUS
Rockin’ rollin’ ocean,
With your briny foam,
Bring my sweetheart back to me,
Bring my darling home.
Ev’ry night I wander down beside the sea,
Callin’ to the wind to blow her back to me;
Now my arms are empty, since she sailed away,
Only stars to hear me when I kneel and pray.
CHORUS
Little drops of water, little grains of sand,
Make a wide, wide ocean in a lonely land;
When a new ship anchors and she don’t appear,
I make the ocean wider with another tear.
I'm promised to John promised to John
Can't you see that I'm promised to John
I saw her on the square and I fell in love right there
Though I was told she was promised to John
I followed her in a store and I loved her even more
Though I knew she was promised to John
I'm promised to John promised to John
Don't you know I'm promised to John
And his heart would surely break if I made this mistake
Can't you see that I'm promised to John
I said let's take a walk someplace where we can talk
Yes I know that you're promised to John
It won't hurt anyone we'll just have a little fun
Cause I know that you're promised to John
We walked behind a tree and she gave her lips to me
Even though she was promised to John
And I guess she's with him now she should be anyhow
Cause she said she was promised to John
I'm promised to John promised to John
Don't you know I'm promised to John
And his heart would surely break if I made this mistake
Can't you see that I'm promised to John
Can't you see I'm promised to John
I realize the way your eyes deceived me
With tender looks that I mistook for love
So throw away the flowers that I sent you
And I'll send the kind that you remind me of
Paper roses paper roses oh how real those roses seem to be
But they're only imitation like your imitation love for me
[ steel ]
I thought that you would be a perfect lover
You seemed so full of sweetness after start
But like a big red rose that's made of paper
There isn't any sweetness in your heart
Well everybody's goin' out and havin' fun
I'm just a fool for staying home and havin' 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
A lovesick fool is blind and just can't see oh lonesome me
I'll bet she's not like me she's out and fancy free
Flirting 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've thought of everything from A to Z oh lonesome me
I'll bet she's not like me...
I heard you crying to the whispering trade winds
As they echoe your love call o'er the silvery sea
They say your heart's weary and you long to be near me
Fear not my darling I shall always love Thee
Until the snow falls in old Hawaii until eternity is a long time ago
Until the pale moon is a trophical sunset I'll never fail you my lovely Oahu rose
[ steel ]
(Until the snow falls in old Hawaii until eternity is a long time ago)
In Nuevo Laredo the moon is aglow in Nuevo Laredo in old Mexico
In Nuevo Laredo in old Mexico
The other tourists they're spending their dough
But she spends her time singing love songs you see
And everytime she sang a song she thre a kiss to me
In Nuevo Laredo the moon is aglow in Nuevo Laredo in old Mexico
In Nuevo Laredo the blue Rio Grande
Was bright in the moonlight as I held her hand
She sang me a love song the whole lovely night
We kissed and kissed and kissed and kissed intil the the morning light
In Nuevo Laredo the moon is aglow in Nuevo Laredo in old Mexico
In Nuevo Laredo I found true romance
With my senorita I sang and I danced
We had a fiesta from morning till night
And then her father caught us crumble for a fight
In Nuevo Laredo I travel no more
Since her father hollered don't darken my door
But each night by moonlight I'm all happy man
You should see me swim to her across the Rio Grande
THERE'S A PLACE IN HAWAII
THAT IS VERY DEAR TO ME
I AM HOMESICK AS CAN BE
WON'T YOU LISTEN TO MY PLEA?
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA HAWAII
I WANT TO BE WITH ALL THE KANES AND WAHINES THAT I KNEW LONG AGO
I CAN HEAR OLD GUITARS A-PLAYING
ON THE BEACH AT HO'ONAUNAU
I CAN HEAR THE HAWAIIANS SAYING
"KOMO MAI NO KAUA IKA HALE WELAKAHAO"
IT WON'T BE LONG 'TIL MY SHIP WILL BE SAILING BACK TO KONA
A GRAND OLD PLACE THAT'S ALWAYS FAIR TO SEE.
I'M JUST A LITTLE HAWAIIAN AND A HOMESICK ISLAND BOY,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY FISH AND POI,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA, HAWAII
WHERE THE HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA GOES SWIMMING BY
Maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong
And maybe I'm weak and maybe I'm strong
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Maybe I'll win and maybe I'll lose
And maybe I'm in for cryin' the blues
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Somehow I knew at a glance
The terrible chances I'm taking
Fine at the start, then left with a heart
That is breaking
Maybe I'll live a life of regret
And maybe I'll give much more than I get
Nevertheless I'm in love with you
(Maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong)
(Maybe I'm weak maybe I'm strong)
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
(Maybe I'll win maybe I'll lose)
(Maybe I'm in for cryin' the blues)
But nevertheless I'm in love with you
Somehow I knew at a glance
The terrible chances I'm taking
Fine at the start, then left with a heart
That is breaking
Maybe I'll live a life of regret
And maybe I'll give much more than I get
My good gal is gone, don't know why she went away
Yes, my gal's gone, don't know why she went away
All I know is she's gone didn't have a word to say
When she left me, Lord, I just sat down and I cried
When she left me, Lord, I just sat down and cried
I felt so blue and lonesome I thought I would commit suicide
Every time I want you I always find you gone
Every time I want you I always find you gone
Listen here, pretty mama, I'm gonna put your airbrakes on
I'm not singin' blues I'm just tellin' you the hard luck I've had
I'm not singin' blues I'm just tellin' you the hard luck I've had
When the western sun is sinking and the moon creeps thru the sky
And the little doggies cuddle close and dream
Then I'll ride on down the canyon with a heart that's light and free
For she's waiting there my Texas Blue Bonnet Queen
CHORUS
Golden lovelight shines, my darling, in your eyes so bright and blue
Cause I know you'll always be like a prairie flower to me
And you'll never fade my Texas Blue Bonnet Queen
Riding down the trail together, my prairie flower and I
O'er sage brush sea our happy dreams we'll share
'Neath the moon in all its glory I'll whisper I love you
Won't you tell me Molly Darling that you love none else but me
For I love you Molly Darling you are all the world to me
Oh tell me darling that you love me put your little hand in mine
Take my heart sweet Molly Darling say that you will give me thine
Molly fairest sweetest dearest look up darling tell me this
Do you love me Molly Darling let your answer be a kiss
Molly fairest sweetest dearest look up darling tell me this
What will the birds do mother in the spring
When they stop to gather crumbs around the door
Will they fly from the trees half as nice with glee
Asking why Joe wanders out no more
What will the kitten do mother all alone
Will he stop from his frolick for the day
Will he lie on his rug by the side of my bed
As he did before I went away
What will Thomas that old gardener say
When you ask him for flowers for me
Will he give you a rose he has tended with care
The first fairest bloom of the tree
[ clarinet - guitar ]
I have seen the tears in his honest old eyes
But he said it was the wind that brought them there
As he gazed on my cheeks growing paler each day
And his hand went trembling through my hair
Keep tied mother my poor little dog
For I know he'll mourn for me too
Just keep him when old and useless he grows
Sleeping the whole summer through
Show him my coat mother so he'll not forget
His master who then will be dead
Just speak to him kindly and often of Joe
And pat him on his brown shaggy head
And you dearest mother may miss me for a while
But in heaven I'll no larger grow
And any kind angel will know at the gate
We're living in a worried world a world that's full of fears
But there's one hopeful peace eternal I hope that it's very near
Little children are the hope of the world
So guide them day and night be sure you teach them right
You can teach them by the things you do and say
The way you live today the way you pray
Suffer the little children to come unto me
For such is the kingdom of heaven God made it plain to see
Little children are the hope of the world
Se help us teach them Lord to walk with Thee
(Suffer the little children to come unto me
Such is the kingdom of heaven God made it plain to see)
Little children are the hope of the world
Would you like to hear the story
Of a girl that many soldiers know
It's a tale of love and all its glory
They tell when the lights are soft and low
Underneath the lamp post by the barrack's gate
Standing all alone every night you see her wait
She waits for the boy who marched away
And though he's gone she hears him say
Oh promise you'll be true fare Thee well Lily Marlene
Till I'll return to you fare Thee well Lily Marlene
With the kiss she gave her promise
To be constant as the stars up above
Every soldier knows she kept her promise
And she has been faithful to her love
(Underneath the lamp post by the barrack's gate
Standing all alone every night you see her wait
For this is the place a vow was made
And breezes sing her serenade)
Oh promise you'll be true fare Thee well Lily Marlene
Till I'll return to you fare Thee well Lily Marlene
Although each tale must have an ending
No one knows just what the end will be
But tonight when twilight is descending
If you'll come along here's what you'll see
Underneath the lamp post by the barrack's gate
Standing all alone every night you see her wait
And as they go marching to the prey
The soldiers all salute and say
Well tell him you've been true fare Thee well Lily Marlene
I'm a lady's man oh yes siree I like the gals and the gals like me
Can I make 'em swoon oh yes I can
Don't know what it is about me they love But what it is I got plenty of
Make way for me I'm a lovin' lady's man
I'm a lady's man and that's no crime I like 'em round me all of the time
I've got a line of talk they understand
Now you may like a baseball game Vut as for me that's much too tame
I get my thrill just bein' a lady's man
[ guitar ]
Been a lady's man since I was three the women used to bounce me on their knee
They'd always say when he grows up watch out
When the gals see his big blue eyes they'll hang around like a bunch of flies
Those women knew what they were talkin' about
[ fiddle ]
I'm a lady's man I get the breaks I guess I've got everything it takes
When it come to lovin' they like my brand
Oh the gals won't leave me alone I have to disconnect my phone
That's how it is when you're a lady's man
[ guitar ]
I'm a lady's man oh yes siree I love the gals and the gals love me
And when it comes to dates I'm in demand
Oh I like 'em short I like 'em tall As a matter of fact I love 'em all
I am pleading tonight in this letter I write
'Cause it seems as tho' I'm talking to you,
All the tear-stains you see take as kisses from me,
'Cause I'm lonesome here waiting for you.
Does your heart still feel light do you still think your right
That you left me for one you thought true
After years we have known leaving me here alone
So lonesome just waiting for you.
I treasure each thought every memory old pal
That we spent in the days we once knew
And it hurt so inside many times I have cried.
So heartbroken just waiting waiting for you.
But perhaps dear someday when the clouds drift away
And the sunshine again fills the blue
You'll mend the break in my heart once again we will start
Within the prison of my soul locked within my troubled mind
Is a love I can't forget cause she's just one of a kind
Just a plain old fashioned girl the kind a man don't have to tame
When he starts to settle down he's proud to let her wear his name
Within my hand I hold the key do I dare to set her free
Got a feelin' in my mind got that she's just one of a kind
[ piano ]
Pulled away from my hometown thought I'd leave her love behind
But Mary rode with me on the highways of my mind
Seen a million pretty girls pretty girls aren't hard to find
But she's a rare breed I'm convinced Mary's just one of a kind
Within my hand I hold the key do I dare to set her free
Got a feelin' in my mind got that she's just one of a kind
Within the prison of my soul locked within my troubled mind
It's four in the morning and once more the dawning just woke up the wanting in me
Wishing I'd never met her knowing if I'd forget her, How much better off she would be
The longer I hold on the longer this goes on the harder that it's going to be
But it's four in the morning and once more the dawning just woke up the wanting in me
I've never deserved her God knows when I hurt her, that's the last thing that I want to do
She tries but she can't tell how she feels but I know too well what she's going through
If I really love her I don't know why I can't do the right thing and just let her be
But it's four in the morning and once more the dawning just woke up the wanting in me
Last night I told her this time it's all over making ten times I told her goodbye
Last night we broke up this morning I woke up and for the tenth time I'm changing my mind
I saw more love in her eyes when I left her than most foolish men will ever see
But it's four in the morning and once more the dawning just woke up the wanting in me
My love has gone my pride has gone I care no more
My heart is tired from loving you I care no more
I don't regret the day we met when love was there
Now love has gone life lingers on I just don't care
Love is a thing that is crazy for all no matter who
I had my love but I lost it all when I lost you
It never should have happened and it won't no more
My love has gone my pride has gone I just don't care
[ vibes ]
(Love is a thing that is crazy for all no matter who)
I had my love but I lost it all when I lost you
It never should have happened and it won't no more
Invisible hands are waiting to guide you
Invisible hands will show you the way
Have faith in the Lord he's always beside you
So pray and believe and help to receive from invisible hands
Invisible hands (are waiting to guide you)
Invisible hands (are always beside you)
So pray and believe and help to receive from invisible hands
[ organ ]
Invisible hands will keep you from danger
Invisible hands will keep you from harm
Though may have sin God welcomes a stranger
So pray and believe and help to receive from invisible hands
That big eight wheeler a 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
And we're movin' on, oh, hear my song
You had the laugh on me but 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 rattle a roll and keep movin' me on.
Mister engineer take that throttle in hand
This rattler's the fastest in the southern land
And keep movin' me on, keep rollin' on
You're gonna ease my mind, put me there on time and keep rollin' on.
I warned you baby from time to time
But you just wouldn't listen or pay me no mind
Now I'm movin' on, I'll soon be gone
You have broken your vow and it's all over now so I'm movin' on.
You switched your engine now I ain't got time
For a triflin' woman on my main line
'Cause I'm movin' on, I'm rollin' on
I've warned you twice, now you can settle the price 'cause I'm movin' on.
But some day baby when you've had your play
You're gonna want your daddy but your daddy will say
Keep movin' on, stayed away too long
I never shall forget the day
I heard my dear old mother say
"I'm leaving now the old home dear,
remember Jack your mother's prayer".
She left me as the golden sun
behind the hill top it did hide,
And when I found that she had gone
I laid my guitar down and cried.
CHORUS
And now she's gone this world is drear,
I long to have dear mother here,
She's gone to join the angels there,
I'll not forget my mother's prayer.
The birds were still, no sound was made,
The organ sad but sweetly played,
As by her side we gathered there,
Our heads bowed down in silent prayer.
We laid here where the fragrant rose
was blooming o'er her lonely grave,
And now in answer to her prayer
I'll meet dear mother some sweet day.
CHORUS
And now she's gone this world is drear,
I long to have dear mother here,
She's gone to join the angels there,
Just like old times you were here last night
And gone was my worry and care
When I awoke I knew then that I
had dreamed of an old love affair
I was alone in the darkness my dear
Many dreams ago you left me there
Sunlight told me you were gone and that I
Had dreamed of an old love affair
[ vibes ]
I've been so lonely since you have gone
I loved you with all of my heart
Heaven was mine when you smiled last night
And said that we'd make a new start
Life seems so empty without you my dear
If it's sun or rain I just don't care
Sunlight told me you were gone and that I
I don't hurt anymore all my teardrops are 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
And it's wonderful now I don't hurt anymore
[ piano - guitar ]
One heart too many I have broken love dreams that faded away
Too many teardrops have fallen too many vows cast aside
Soft wedding bells should be ringing for us in the chapel tonight
But this morning they tolled and her bright band of gold
Was returned with this message tonight
Your sweetheart has left us today heart broken God took her away
That silk gown of white for her wedding tonight
She wore as they laid her away
Though she died for a love all in vain her last words were calling your name
As I walked to her grave where the bluebonnets wave
I cried but my tears were too late
Tonight sweetheart as I kneel here alone beside you
And my tears stain the flowers on your grave
In deep regret I think of the heart that I have wounded
Of the sorrow and grief and the life that I could have saved
Yes tonight darling you were to be my loving bride
But all that I have left now as I bow to pray
Is your ring a picture the sad message that they sent me
And this rose that I am taking from your grave
In the South Pacific where the trade winds blow
They thought that the hula was a little bit slow
So they stepped it up with a go go go
And that's where they got that rock and roll
In the South Pacific now they're gettin' with it on the beach at Waikaki
And it's a lula when they try the hula with a rockin' rollin' beat
Rockin' and a rollin' in Waikaki rockin' and a rollin' in Waikaki
Rockin' and a rollin' in Waikaki rockin' and a rollin' in Waikaki
Don't stop just let her rock
[ guitar ]
Take me back where the trade winds blow
To the land of the hula where they never get old
And the gooney birds dance with a go go go
And the natives join in with a rock and roll
With me it's a riddle how they break in the middle and yet stay on the beat
But I wanna sway with 'em when I hear the rhythm of the rockin' hula beat
[ steel ]
Rockin' and a rollin' in Waikaki...
Riding on the eastbound freight train speeding through the night
Hobo Bill a railroad bum was fighting for his life
The sadness of his eyes revealed the torture of his soul
He raised a weak and weary hand to brush away the coal
No warm lights flickered around him no blankets there to fold
Nothing but the howling wind and the driving rain so cold
When he heard a whistle blowing in a dreamy kind of way
The hobo seemed contented for he smile there where he lay
[ steel ]
Outside the rain was falling on that lonesome boxcar door
But the little form of Hobo Bill lay still upon the floor
As the train sped through the darkness and the raging storm outside
No one knew that Hobo Bill was taking his last ride
[ steel ]
It was early in the morning when they raised the hobo's head
The smile still lingered on his face but Hobo Bill was dead
There was no mother's longing to soothe his weary soul
I loved a gal who invented kissin' I don't recall her name
But I do believe that gal should sit high up in the hall of fame
Until she came along just think what we were missin'
That's why today I'm shoutin' hooray for the gal who invented kissin'
She thought the fellows how to smooth instead of holdin' hands
And she showed them how to steel a kiss like they do in foreign land
Until she came along just think what they were missin'
Love was very nice but as cold as ice to that gal who invented kissin'
[ piano ]
She showed the girls how pucker up and roll their pretty eyes
And she showed them how to kiss hello and how to kiss goodbye
Until she came along just think what they were missin'
They could only cook or read a book till that gal who invented kissin'
Mr Edison he invented the lights Mr Bell the telephone
And Columbus found America their names're all well known
But till she came along this world had somethin' missin'
And I'm tellin' you there was nothin' to do till that gal invented kissin'
[ guitar ]
Now I've been out with a many a gal and the things all were so nice
Some of them I kissed just once and others more than twice
But if I had my wish the only thing I'm wishin'
Is to make a date and stay out late with the gal who invented kissin'
She ever knows how to kiss so fire and how to kiss goodnight
On every kind of hug and kiss she holds a copy rhyme
But if I had my wish the only thing I'm wishin'
Down where the trade winds play
Down where they lose the day
We found a new world
Where Paradise starts we traded hearts
The night that I sailed away
Flowers were in her hair
Music was everywhere
Under an awning of silvery boughs we traded vows
The night that I sailed away
Trade winds, what are vows that lovers made
Trade winds, are they only made to break
When it is May again
I'll sail away again
Though I am returning it won't be the same
She traded her name
Way down where the trade winds play
Trade winds, what are vows that lovers made
Trade winds, are they only made to break
When it is May again
I'll sail away again
Though I am returning it won't be the same
She traded her name
Down the trail of achin' hearts where nobody's hidin' their tears
You sent me there where sadness starts down the trail of achin' hearts
You told me I was your darling you kept me hanging around
Somebody else is your darling now lonesome and blue I'll be found
Down the trail...
[ guitar ]
Once I was passing your window under the light of a star
Somebody else played my love song and played it on my old guitar
I'm thinking of you while here all alone
I'm wishing and longing for you and for home
I'd give this whole world if I could only say
I'm climbin' that old hill heading that way
For I'm lonesome and blue for some place to roam
And I wish it could be down that old road to home
With a troubled mind and a heart full of pain
I've searched this whole world for fortune and fame
But I'm longing to be with you once again
So we could go strolling down old mem'ry lane
[ fiddle ]
There's a little white house on the top of the hill
Not very far from an old sawmill
And I'd give this world if I could only say
I'm climbing that old hill heading that way
For I'm lonesome and blue for some place to roam
Looking through the window of the greyhound station down in San Antone
Watching people come and people go and feeling so alone
And every face I see reminds me of the one I've left behind me crying
Knowing I should go back home and heaven knows how hard I'm trying
To see that Colorado country morning with the dusty roads and warm sunshine
I've got the Colorado country morning and a Denver woman on my mind
[ fiddle ]
I remember standing at the door and looking back as she lay sleeping
And very gently through the window pane the morning sun was creeping
And without a sound I turned around and softly kissed her goodbye
Now with all behind I often find myself wondering why
I left that Colorado country morning...
(Life lost its color when I lost my love)
White's for the wedding that I'll never see
Blue is for heartaches that she gave to me
Green were those two eyes that stole her away
Gray were the darks skies on that tragic day
Black was the gun that I drew from my side
Red fload the blood where's my false lover's died
Brown was the earth neath the grey skies above
Life lost its color when I lost my love
[ piano - guitar ]
Black was the cloak on the old judge that day
White was my face when he said you must pay
Blue were the tears that I shed in myself
Red are the roses that other folks dwell
Gold was my hair when they first sentenced me
It will be silver when they set me free
Gone is the rainbow that shone up above
Life lost its color when I lost my love
Riding on the City of New Orleans Illinois Central Monday morning rail
Fisteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
And moves along past houses farms and fields
Passing trains that have no name and freighyards full of old black men
And the graveyards full of rusted automobiles
Good morning America how are ya
Say don't you know me I'm your native son
I'm a train they call the City of New Orleans
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done
Dealing card games with an old man on the club car
Many a point and no one keeping score
Pass that paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels a rumbling neath the floor
And the sons of poor men porters and the sons of engineers
Ride their father's magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep rocking to that gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good morning America...
Night time on the City of New Orleans changing cars in Memphis Tennessee
Half way home and we'll get there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness rolling down to the sea
But all the towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain't heard the news
The conductor sings his song again the passengers will please refrain
This train's got the disappearing railroad blues
Chattin' with a chick in Chattanooga
The cutest southern belle I've ever seen
Looks just like a dewdrop in the starlight
She's the idol of my dreams
Chattin' with a chick in Chattanooga
Where the lovebug took a bite of me
She turned out to be my one and only
Hope that you know what I mean
T'will be my lucky day when I hear her say
Get that local parson dear hurry up bring him here
When the knot is tied and we're so happy happy with a little family
With a lot of little baby chicks around us in Chattanooga Tennessee
[ fiddle - steel - guitar ]
T'will be my lucky day...
(Lonesome lonesome)
I'm calling to tell you it's over
Yes darling you're now free to go
You're saying you're sorry you hurt me
But you hurt me much more than you know
You're asking me where this call comes from
Oh I hope that you won't interfere
In your new romance turns out a failure
Here's where you'll find me my dear
I'm just on the blue side of lonesome
Right next to the Heartbreak Hotel
In a tavern that's known as Three Teardrops
On a barstool not doing so well
The hands of the clock never alter
For things never change in this place
There's no present no past and no future
For the ones who have lost in love's race
[ guitar ]
My troubled old heart dear is beating with pain
You've gone and I know I'm the one who's to blame
You've gone in the world dear to make a new start
And left as a mem'ry you're brand on my heart
They say you were crying while packing your things
And left me your locket and bright golden rings
The plans for your future I've broken apart
Now all I have left is you're brand on my heart
You say you are sorry it ended this way
And that I'll find someone to love me someday
Another to cherrish the love we once knew
But darling that someone can only be you
[ steel ]
The flowers you planted that rose you loved best
Its dark velvet petals are now closed in death
The birds have hushed singing it all plays a part
To deepen the wound of you're brand on my heart
I'm appealing to you for forgiveness today
For all of your tears darling I've had to pay
If you'll just forgive me we'll make a new start
Lullaby and good night
In the sky stars are bright
Close your eyes
Start to yawn
Pleasant dreams until the dawn
Close your eyes now and rest
Lay your head on my breast
Go to sleep now and rest
May your slumber be blest
Close your eyes now and rest
Lay your head on my breast
Go to sleep now and rest
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 through
Born to lose and now I'm losing you
[ fiddle ]
Born to lose my every hope is gone
It's so hard to face that 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
Thanks for the bed and board Bob enjoyed my stay
But I got just a little bit bored Bob be on my way
So you got yourself a job Bob that's not for me
You got a house and a wife Bob but I'm still free
Remember the good ole days around the Frisco yard Bob for you they're gone
Now your wife's lookin' at me kinda hard Bob I'll move along
[ fiddle + steel ]
So you got yourself a housewife Bob and a housenote too
Reclining chairs and phone bills Bob that's not for you
I'm a headin' out LA way Bob there ain't no spare
The freight pulls out today Bob do you dare
Remember the good times down in New Orleans Bob that Cajun Queen
And your wife's lookin' at me kinda hard Bob she thinks I'm mean
[ fiddle + steel ]
Thanks for the bed and board Bob enjoyed my stay
But just forget all the top Bob bout the good ole days
Cause your wife's a little bit scared Bob you wanna be free
But you and me both know Bob you're better off than me
Remember the cold nights out on Frisco yard Bob and the hard cold ground
The lights were burning low and Mister Midnight made his way.
Old Father TIme had trudged along to close another day.
The old clock ticked and seemed to say: Your heart is sad and blue,
But just rememeber, pal, there's others broken, too;
I told the moon it was so hard to play love's losing hand.
When you thought you drew a sweetheart, she was just a fickle friend.
Don't mind my tears, remember, there's still a million hearts in bloom.
So keep on shining though I'm pining, silv'ry moon.
The trade winds brought a message in from far across the the sea.
They said they saw the silver sails that carried you from me.
They told me you were drifting on upon an endless tide,
And lonely seagulls hovered o'er you as you cried.
If I could send a message on the crest of ev'ry wave.
They'd take you my forgiveness and two broken hearts we'd save.
But instead I'll ask each little star to guide your ship back home.
Another cryin' night will soon be over now
The morning light won't help, I'll still be blue
'Cause everywhere I turn there's only loneliness
Memories are all I can hold to
Memories are the moments when we were as one
Memories you would only hope to find
Memories, in your loving arms, you'd whisper my name
Then I would feel your burning limbs on mine
All these memories are locked within my heart
My world was gone the moment I lost you
If wants could talk, they'd tell you of the tears I've cried
But memories are all I can hold to
Memories are the moments when we were as one
Memories you would only hope to find
Memories, in your loving arms, you'd whisper my name
Then I would feel your burning limbs on mine
If I had a scale to measure love
Like a clock can measure time
And we put our love upon that scale
Would your's weigh as much as mine
Of late is seems your thoughts are far away
I doubt if you hear half the things I say
I be hurt if I knew who you were thinkin' of
I'm so glad there's no scale to measure love
Your kisses always thrilled me at the start
But now I wonder are they from your heart
I'd be sure if it'e me that you were thinkin' of
Dear Santa Claus, It's been so long
So long since I have written
Since as a kid in happy house I dwelled
I've moved from there and now I live
On disillusion avenue
And I've been here longer than I care to tell
The twinkling bells of hope and joy
The laughter that rang in my voice
Have silenced more and more as time goes by
Those treasured gifts from other years
Are tarnished, lost or stained with tears
So Santa would you bring a new supply
CHORUS
I'll be hanging up my empty heart this Christmas
Please fill it full with love and hope and cheer
My faith is gone, my courage low, my patience ran out long ago
Dear Santa Claus I need so much this year
SPOKEN
Bring a basket of forgetfulness to cover up the bitterness
And the grudges that I've gathered through the years
And leave a large bag of forgiveness
To give out to those who robbed me
Of my laughter that sometimes filled my eyes with tears
And Santa please a box piled high with love and understanding
That I could share with all my neighbors and my friends
And leave one new temper cause I lost mine
Lost it one too many times
And make the new one longer if you can
CHORUS
I'll be hanging up my empty heart this Christmas
Please fill it full with love and hope and cheer
Tuck in some smiles to give away and some to wear for every day
Dear Santa Claus I need so much this year
SPOKEN
A good gal is hard to find
You always get the other kind
And when you think you've got the best in the land
You look around and see her flirtin' with some other man
And then you rave and then you crave
To see her lyin' in her grave
So guys be wise, take my good advice
Hug her every mornin', kiss her every night
Give her lots of lovin', man, and treat her right
'Cause a good girl, nowadays, is hard to find
A good gal is hard to find
You always get the other kind
And when you think you've got the best in the land
You look around and see her flirtin' with some other man
And then you rave and then you crave
To see her lyin' deep in her grave
So guys be wise, take my good advice
Hug her every mornin', kiss her every night
Give her lots of lovin', man, and treat her right
'Cause a good girl, nowadays, is hard to find
