Well here we are again what do you want from me this time
Remember what you did about you made me feel last time
You're on the move again in bad need of a friend
Whose arms did you fall out of now
Well now what you gonna do how long you gonna stay this time
Well now what you gonna prove that I'll die a little more each time
Cause dying's what I do it's something I'm used to
Whose arms did you fall out of now
By now I should be used to losing you
But if it's worst each time I see you coming back again
This won't be the end and here we go again this time
And I know it's gonna be a real bad time for me like the last time
I'd never hear from you tell you no one to turn to
When I see the water come and clear beside a shore
When all the guns are silent and the sky is clear once more
When the bugles fill the air with victory's swet song
That's when I'll come back home where I belong
Then I'll come home again then I'll come home again
When I have done my duty in this foreign land
When I have fought and done my job for Uncle Sam
Then I'll come home again then I'll come home again
[ piano ]
When I see the flag of freedom flying o'er this land
When the people here are free to live their lives again
When the Captain tells me the battle has been won
Tell all my friends then I'll be coming home
Then I'll come home again...
Well I've heard your stories about your fast trains
But now I'll tell you bout one all the travelin' 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 headed down that Dixie Line
When she passes the Nashville Tower you can hear the 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
If you're ever in the Southland and you 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
[ guitar ]
If you're ever in the Southland...
Well, everybody's going out and having fun
I'm just a fool for staying home and having none
I can't get over how she set, set me free
Oh, lonesome me
A bad mistake I'm making by just hanging 'round
I know that I should have some fun and paint the town
A lovesick fool that's blind and just can't see
Oh, lonesome me
I'll bet she's not like me, she's out and fancy free
Flirtin' with the boys with all her charms
But I still love her so and brother don't you know
I'd welcome her right back here in my arms
Well, there must be some way I can lose these lonesome blues
Forget about the past and find somebody new
I've thought of everything from A to Z
Oh, lonesome me
Well, I'll bet she's not like me
Oh, lonesome me
Standing on the road
Walking down the highway
Ain't going nowhere
But that's my way of life
I never had a lot of ambition
But I always made my own way
By turnin' a couple of jobs in some ladies backyard
I averaged about a dollar a day
I wake up early each morning
And before I started on my way
I get some cigarettes and a couple of cups
Of coffee sweepin' the local city cafe
Standing on the road
Walking down the highway
Ain't going nowhere
But that's my way of life
I've never had no one to love me
Never've girl to call my own
I never would take a chance or fool with romance
I guess I'm too used to being alone
Nobody wants a drifter
And I gotta keep moving on
There's nothing to tie me down
When I wanna leave town
Nobody to miss me when I'm gone
Standing on the road
Walking down the highway
Ain't going nowhere
From the dark and lonely part of town comes a man nobody wants around
Dressed in black I cry across the land it's a hurt it's a pain it's lonely man
I am lonely man lonely and blue you'll never know I never did get over you
My longing for you is the best kept secret in the land
It's a hurt it's a pain it's lonely man
Nobody knows my true identity they'll never know how much you're hurting me
A smile is my disguise and that's my plan it's a hurt it's a pain it's lonely man
I am lonely man...
If you wonder why I always look so bad and even when I smile I still look sad
Well it's just because I've lost the only love I've ever had
Now I'm livin' in tumble down shack on shabby little street on the hill in Lonelyville
If you think I'm livin' pretty well it's true
But there's nothing else that's left for me to do
She packed my clothes showed me the door and then she said we're through
Now I'm livin' in tumble down shack on shabby little street on the hill in Lonelyville
Well Lonelyville is not a happy place but now I'm forced to live here in disgrace
I heard her slammed the door behind me tight and I realized I didn't treat her right
So I'll have to face the sadness and the sorrow every night
In my tumble down shack on shabby little street on the hill in Lonelyville
I'm looking for that Lonely Street I've got a sad sad tale to tell
I need a place to go and weep where's this place called Lonely Street
A place where there's just loneliness where dim lights bring forgetfulness
Where broken dreams and mem'ries meet where's this place called Lonely Street
Perhaps upon that Lonely Street there's someone such as I
Who came to bury broken dreams and watch an old love die
If I could find that Lonely Street where dim lights bring forgetfulness
Where broken dreams and mem'ries meet where's this place called Lonely Street
Perhaps upon that Lonely Street...
Some folks call me a laughin' boy some say I'm a clown
But till you've tried my way of life don't ever put it down
And if it feels good do it if it hurts just let it lie
Now there's no mistery to it just a better way to look at life
Some folks worry bout growin' old but that don't bother me
Old age is one thing I hope that I live long enough to see
Forget your disappointments pretend they wasn't there
But when they pass out happiness be sure you get your share
And if it feels good...
[ guitar ]
One day when I'm old and gray lookin' back at what I've done
I can face the world and say that livin' sure was fun
And if it feels good...
I've journeyed over the mountains just like that famous bear
I didn't realize it wouldn't get me anywhere
And now I'm tired of roaming this life is not much fun
I'd like to go home, if I had one
I've known all kinds of women, the rowdy and the nice
I've even thought of marriage, but I've never thought of that twice
And now, I feel the loneliness with every setting sun
I'd love to see my baby, if I had one
I've made a lot of money, I've also spent a lot
I've thought a man was judged by the money that he got
But money will not take me back to days when I was young
I guess my heart would break, if I had one
Oh I'm so surprised to see me here sittin' all alone
It's late and everybody's gone to their respective homes
I could go home I should go home but it's so dark and still
Well look at me I'm looking back oh I have been through the mill
I've been through the mill oh ain't I I have been through the mill
The hunter is now hunted and time moves in for the kill
Oh stranger do pull up a chair and listen if you will
It's purely biographical but I have been through the mill
There was a time I'd come in here and the folks would wave and smile
Do you remember what's her name oh she was such a lovely child
But times will change and towns will change oh you know how they will
Oh look at me I'm looking back and I have been through the mill
Well where did you get those beautiful eyes honey
Yeah where did you get those beautiful eyes baby
Where did you get those beautiful eyes I can't hide such beautiful lies
Oh honey oh honey babe
Well I'm a takin' you down to the country store honey
Yeah I'm a takin' you down to the country store baby
I'm takin' you down to the country store
Gonna spend all my money and go and work and get some more oh honey oh honey babe
You've got my heart now lend me your hand baby
You've got my heart now lend me your hand honey honey baby
You got my heart now lend me your hand
You can have my house and all of my land oh honey oh honey babe
Well I got a ring that'll fit you fine honey yeah I got a ring that'll fit you fine baby
Well I got a ring that'll fit you fine go get married sure enough this time
Got my heart patched up my goodnight sleep and my dancin' slippers on
I'm diggin' up where I left off when lovin' you went wrong
You'll notice I'm all smiles again and out of hibernation
Gonna hit those moonlit lanes again I'm back in circulation
Don't play the blues for me I want the sunny side of life
Tell all the gang to meet me here we're gonna swing the night
Hunt for everything that's wet and start the celebration
Gonna have myself a ball tonight I'm back in circulation
[ guitar ]
Put my cryin' towel away sunshine just peeped through the clouds
Gettin' out my little black book checkin' upon my ole crowd
Tell Mr Moon to shine tonight and make this observation
I just bounced back from being hurt and I'm back in circulation
It's just a small cafe I'm here most everyday at the junction of heartbreak road
I guess it's very clear it's you that put me here at the junction of heartbreak road
At the junction where losers and weepers meet and if you'd never been there before
They say if you stay at that junction long enough
Honey everybody walks into that door
I'll have a drink or two then I'll have one for you and another for anyone I know
There are roads out of here for all those who leave to tears
I'm at the junction with no place to go I'm at the junction with no place to go
I'm letting go up what used to be when there was love just you and me
It's like you said it all went wrong what's left to say I'll be moving along
Too bad too bad for me for you we planted love seed but nothing grew
Too soon to know where I belong can't stay here I'll be moving along
I'll be moving along it wasn't all bad the memory makes me a little bit sad
It had to be said I wasn't that strong you found the words I'll be moving along
If I talk too much I won't mean what I say but I'll tell you this before you go away
If you destroy my world just leave the pieces where you drop 'em
And if you don't mind I'd rather be forgotten
I'd rather be forgotten like a style gone out of style
Then do know you think of me once in a while
So go your way be free your opportunity is knockin'
But as for me I'd rather be forgotten
(Forgotten forgotten)
Remember not to remember me at all what's a mem'ry if that's bitterly recall
I'm headin' for a heartbreak and there won't be any stoppin'
Do this for me I'd rather be forgotten
I know you're tired of being all I ever wanted
You'll no longer feel the love I have for you
What happens now what will I do with all these mem'ries
And the dreams of all the things we'll never do
But I won't mention it again I won't think about tomorrow
Just let it happen live each hour day by day
But let me tell you before you go how much I love you
Then I won't mention it again I won't mention it again
I feel my life has reached an early sign of autumn
In my heart the leaves are falling love is cold
And everything that once was warm and new is gone now
Leaving nothing but this hunger in my soul
Kiss me goodbye and write me while I'm gone goodbye my sweetheart hello Vietnam
America has heard the bugle call and you know it involves us one and all
I don't suppose that war will ever end there's fighting that will break us up again
Goodbye my darling hello Vietnam a hill to take a battle to be won
Kiss me goodbye and write me while I'm gone goodbye my sweetheart hello Vietnam
A ship is waiting for us at the dock America has trouble to be stopped
We must stop communism in that land
Or freedom will start slipping through our hands
Goodbye my darling...
I hope and pray someday the world will learn
That fires we don't put out will bigger burn
We must save freedom now at any cost or someday our own freedom will be lost
Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let's pretend that we're together all alone
I'll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you he'll have to go
Whisper to me darling do you love me true or is he holding you the way I do
Though love is blind make up your mind I've got to know
Should I hang up or will you tell him he'll have to go
You can say the words I wanna hear while you're with another man
So darling answer yes or no and I will understand
So put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let's pretend that we're together all alone
I'll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you he'll have to go
Have you ever been lonely?
Have you ever been blue?
Have you ever loved someone
Just as I love you
Can't you see that I'm sorry
For each mistake I've made?
Can't you see that I've changed, dear?
Can't you see that I've paid?
Be a little forgiving
Take me back in your heart
How can I go on living
Now that we're apart?
If you knew what I've been through
Then you'd know why I ask you
Have you ever been lonely?
Have you ever been blue?
If you knew what I've been through
Then you'd know why I ask you
Have you ever been lonely?
Have it your way have it your way you can make it you're ready today
Your face tells it all there's no more to say
You've got a brand new work so have it your way
It seems you think I'm not much more than nothing
So nothing has no reason now this day
I'd rather lose my pride before my mind goes
If that's the way it is have it your way
I've always tried to give you what you wanted and that included me everyday
I don't really know what changed your thinking
But if this is what you want have it your way
I've known so long what's going on behind your smiling eyes
But I don't leave cause all my pride is gone
It's not that you're deceiving me with all your pretty lies
Baby half a love is better than none
You don't know what it means to live in dreams you know have died
Our share love you don't dare to leave alone
But I have found my pride is drowned in tears I have to hide
And baby half a love is better than none
Half the time I know that I should leave
But I just can't convince myself to go cause I know
When passion's flame has died in shame you'll find your way back home
I was sittin' in the terminal waitin' for my load
When a greenhorn driver came in off of the road
I heard him tell that foreman get my little pink slip
This run's too tough and I'm gonna quit
Now the foreman that day happened to be old Joe
Man he was older than time
He said, "Son, how long you been drivin' this rig
You know I drove all shapes, forms, fashions and kinds
Here you are worried about this one little trip
Why I drove a million miles and then some"
He looked that greenhorn right in the eye and he said
?Boy there ain't no easy run?
"I drove for Roadway, Interstate, Hopewell, Great Lakes
Overnight and Time, Mayflower and Freight Line
Specter, Yellow Transit, Western, and Gillette
Redball, Rider Northwestern, Big CF
Beaver & Bell, Hoover and McLeans
Gateway Motor Freight , Transport, Vikings
Dixie, Ohio, and Trans American Some
East Texas, Mason Dixon, Watkin and Transcon
Wilson Associate got all that drivin' done
And I'll tell you boy there ain't no easy runs"
"Now if you got a gal in Texas, they'll send you up to Maine
If you got a gal in New York, they'll send you out to the plains
I know what your problem is you got woman trouble, son
Well like I said there ain't no easy run"
"I drove for Navajo, Brady, Goose, DC
North American, Allied, Chicago Motor Freight & Pie
Bee Mac & Curtis, Eastern and NX
Garrett & Ace, Federal & ETM
And Neptune Hereon, Brinks and Sea Lab
Dudley, Dorsey Bekins and Cunningham
Cooper, Mc Roary, Jones and American too
Acme and Central & Standard and Boston Sue
And Yunhan and Buckingham got all that drivin' done
And I'll tell you, boy there ain't no easy run"
I went backward, forwards, uphill, downhill
Chills spills thrills and pills
And how about Atlas & Cramer
Alabama, Hiway Express, Murphy Line
And Long, and Harris, General Stickland, Eden & Key
How about that Nashville by-pass on a Friday afternoon
That'll blow yer shorts off
That's sumpin else
Tear apart a amountain hark the deepest sea
Pull the stars down from the skies so blue
Keep the day from dawning anything you say
I'm the greatest man alive when I'm with you
Swim the widest ocean stop to wind and rain
Move the clouds and make the sunshine through
Rearrange the moonlight so it shines your way
I'm the greatest man alive when I'm with you
Even though you tell me all the time tell me once again that you are mine
That's the way that it should always be I'm for you sweetheart and you're for me
I'll be the greatest lover the world has ever known
When I'm with you I know just what to do
Cause with my arms around you the whole world is brand new
I'm the greatest man alive when I'm with you
(You can dam out the water and shut the wind out)
But a man ain't been born who can destroy a drought
There's a hot screaming wind at my door but I just don't care anymore
There's a crop killing drought on the way and my good woman she left me today
Oh she stayed just as long as she could but then the farm has not treated us good
She begged me to pack up and go but then farming is all that I know
You can dam out the water...
She cried as if I were to blame but the Lord knows I can't make it rain
There's a hot screaming sun up in the sky it's so still I can hear the grass die
So I'll wait for the coolness of dark and bear up to this pain in my heart
And I'll pray with the coming of each dawn that this crop killing drought will be gone
What makes you think I'm just a weakly that I'll take you back from now until
You know I think that's kinda funny but I forget you know me pretty well
What do you mean you think I want you that I still need you you can tell
After the way you dropped it on me but I forget you know me pretty well
You told me to go that there was no more you called me your stuff so I call your bluff
Then you went to him now you're back again
And you think I'll go back out there on that lamb what do you think I am
Tell me that I'll go right back through your mill
You know I gotta hand it to you cause I forget you know me pretty well
You told me to go...
Cause I forget you know me pretty well
Get me back to Tennessee I'm homesick for my sunny overgrown country town
I thought I'd like to be a westcoast cowboy but I got lonely as the sun went down
The ladies living here sure are different
They took my hard earned money now they're gone
Never did they ever satisfy me like a hard lovin' country girl back home
Get me back to Tennessee I'm homesick for my sunny overgrown country town
Get me back to Tennessee I'm homesick I'll ride anything eastern bound
[ guitar ]
Hitchhikin' days get by over not many pickup strangers anymore
Shave my face and cut my hair this morning
Well maybe I'll have better luck than before
Mister thank you for the ride I'm glad to know you're goin' all the way to Alabam
Just let out on 65 in Nashville my sunny overgrown country town
Since I met you you my wheels're burnin' you really stepped up my face
My only thoughts of you and me one more time in place
Don't take this size a warnin' cause baby it's a fact
My love train is rollin' on your track
My love train is rollin' on your track
Big daddy's smokin' and there ain't no turnin' back
A choo choo choo a choo choo you're warmin' up my stack
Baby my love train is rollin' on your track
[ guitar ]
You started my engine steamin' with your first hello
And when I kissed your lips away you fired up my cost
So hang girl our destination is heavy and back
Cause my love train is rollin' on your track
My love train is rollin' on...
Baby my love train is rollin' on your track
Well that's railroad steamboat river and cannal
Yonder comes a sucker and he's got my girl
And she's gone gone gone gone gone gone gone I'll bid her my last farewell
I fell in love with a pretty little thing I thought that wedding bells would ring
She was as sweet as she could be till I found out what she did to me
Well that's railroad steamboatl...
I asked her mother to let her go she whispered mother just tell him no
Though he may think that I am true there's twenty more that think so too
Well that's railroad steamboat...
Now I won't cry my life away some other sucker will have to pay
And when he finds that she is gone I guess I'll hear him sing this song
Well they gave him his orders in Richmond Virginia
Sayin' Joe you're away behind time
Now this ain't no big roadranger but an old slow binder
You gotta put her into Memphis on time
He looked over to his ol' shotgun rider sayin' boy you better pray for your soul
For when we reach the top of old Mount Eagle you can see this ol' binder roll
But it's a mighty rough road around Chattanooga there's kerbs on a four mile grade
It was on that grade that Joe lost his average
You should see what a jump that he made
He was goin' down that road makin' ninety miles an hour
When the brakes on that old binder screamed
They were found in the wreck at the bottom of that mountain
Oh man what a terrible scene
[ ac.guitar ]
Now all you ladies better take their warnin' from now and this time on
Never speak harsh words to your truck drivin' baby
He may leave you and never come home
He was goin' down that road...
Far across the deep blue water lives an old German's daughter
By the banks of the old River Rhine
There I loved her and left her but I can't forget her 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 you are my pretty Fraulein
When the 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 hand's holding mine
By the same stars above you I swear that I love you you are my pretty Fraulein
If I've ever been so blue I can't remember seems to me the walls are closing in
I still hear your footsteps fade away forever
Well for crying out loud I'm crying out loud again I'm crying out loud again
There's nothing like a room that's filled with blackness
And without you here it's blacker than it's been
You said goodbye as if you couldn't careless
Well for crying out loud I'm crying out loud again I'm crying out loud again
Staring at the red end of my cigarette
Where in the darkness two had always been
Now the hurt grows worse each night I'm trying to forget
This is Dave Dudley and I'd like to take a few seconds of your time
To add my sincerest appreciation for all the nice things you've done for me
And to kindly introduce this album personally
We've picked some of the old songs that have come down through the years
Then added a few new ones
Some of which I've helped write especially for this album
So I do hope it contains a good variety that you'll enjoy hearing
I've been looking forward to meeting you at all the new places
We plan to visit in the near future
So until then thank you very kindly for being my friend
Fools rush in where angels fear to thread
And so I come to you, my love my heart above my head
Though I know there's danger there
If there's a chance for me then I don't care
Oh, fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life began
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
When we met I felt my life began
Well I have a few hours to wait while they've loaded my trailer with freight
So I borrowed my buddy's old car and drove down to the dancehall and bar
Although I just went there to watch when I saw her my heart almost stopped
It was my girl in some stranger's arms while the truck driver's waltz played on
So drive drive my blues away and think of the love I have lost
Somewhere she's gay and the jukebox is playin'
The lonesome ole Truck Driver's Waltz
[ ac.guitar ]
Now she doesn't know that I know but wherever my old rig may go
I'll recall with each bridge that I cross her love and the truck driver's waltz
So drive drive my blues away...
Well I'm a travelin' man made a lotta stops all over the world
And in every port out Omaha I at least got lovely girl
Got a pretty senorita a waitin' for me out down in old Mexico
If you're ever in Alaska stop and see my cute a little Eskimo
Oh my sweet Fraulein down in Berlin town makes my heart start to yearn
And my China doll down in old Hong Kong waits for my return
Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea I remember the night
When we walked in the sands of Waikiki and I held her oh so tight
[ guitar ]
Oh my sweet Fraulein...
You say you love me more than anything in this whole world
For my love you'd beg and borrow or steal
Then why don't you tell the one you look you love me more than him
If you're afraid to tell him I will
I'll tell him of the times we met in the shadows of the town
I'll tell him how many times I tried to tear his whole world down
For I love you more than the birds could love the flowers on the hill
And if you're afraid to tell him I will
Could it be you've been seeing me and my love has been at ease
It hurts to know that you may love him still
I've just got to know to ease this tickin' deep within my heart
Got an old slatch 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
I got a million friends don't feel any older
I've got nothing to lose not even the blues
Just a bummin' around
Whenever worries start to botherin' me
I grab my coat my old slatch 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
Whenever worries start to botherin' me
I grab my coat my old slatch hat
Hit the trail again you see
This ol' rig that I'm drivin' ain't the sharpest on the road
These ol' bulls that I'm haulin' ain't perfumed
But if it wasn't for a lot of those truck drivers just like me
Then who would bring those T-bone steaks to you
We're the bullshippers big bullshippers a haulin' them ol' bulls across the land
We're the bullshippers big bullshippers bullshippin' truck drivin' men
This ain't the best job in this world that I know
And some people may look down their nose at me
But I'd rather be a struggling with these ol' rowdy bulls then a haulin' a load of TNT
We're the bullshippers...
There's a lotta pretty wairesses that I always see every time I'm making my run
Well I tell 'em that I love 'em but they just laugh and say
You big bullshippin' son of a gun
We're the bullshippers...
I know just how great love can be I loved so much one time
I know how it hurts to see it end
I've had my share and if I live to be a hundred years
I hope I never love that much again
The bigger the love the harder the fall
And it takes a long time for a heart to mend
If there should ever come a time when I could love at all
I hope I never love that much again
I loved her more than life itself she was everything to me
For I believed in life and love back then
If I can just forget she's gone if her mem'ry sets me free
I hope I never love that much again
Oh you've got to cry girl then you'll know how I miss you
Well I've grown up girl I've learned how to be a man
I've cried tears felt the pain have memories when you hurt me
But now look at me I still know I can stand
Say are you listening girl do you hear what I'm saying
And do you know girl the reason that I walked out
Well you're young right now but tomorrow the world may find you
So learn from life and find what love's about
Oh you've got to cry girl before you can be a woman
And you've gotta hurt girl before you'll understand
You need tears and time and sad memories to complete you
What makes you think that you can turn your back and walk away
After I have tasted the sweetness of your world
If you think I'll take it all you've left layin' down
You've got another thought comin' to you girl
You've got another thought comin' if you'll think that I'll stand by
And let the best thing in my life walk out of my world
If you think that I won't find the way of keepin' us together
You've got another thought comin' to you girl
[ guitar - harmonica ]
I'd never find another that could keep me satisfied
I can't replace a diamond with an imitation pearl
So if you think that I won't mind then I'll just let you go
You've got another thought comin' to you girl
You've got another thought comin'...
If you think that I won't find the way of keepin' us together
We know we've had this feeling for sometime our feeling we no longer need to hide
You love him I love her we've wasted time just being kind
How come it took so long to say goodbye
We won't miss each other we both know it
And the past will soon be gone for you and I
We're wasting love and moments so go to him I'll run to her
How come it took so long to say goodbye
How come it took so long to say goodbye
All these years with promises and oh so many lies
And when we loved each other we were never satisfied
How come it took so long to say goodbye
My dearest mama, they just gave us time to write
I miss you and there's something on my mind tonight
At mail call, I received your letter here today
But I don't understand the things you say
You tell me there are people marching in our streets
The signs they carry say that we don't fight for peace
There's not a soldier in this foreign land, who likes this war
Oh mama, tell them what we're fighting for
Tell them that we're fighting for the old red, white and blue
Did they forget Pearl Harbor and Korea too
Another flag must never fly above our nation's door
Oh mama, tell them what we're fighting for
From Maine to California, there are many noble men
Who know the price of war and pray, we'd never fight again
But the world must learn, that we will fight, we will protect our shore
Oh mama, tell them what we're fighting for
Oh mama, tell them what we're fighting for
One time I spent a week inside a little country jail
I don't guess I'll ever live it down
I was sittin' at red light when these two men come and got me
And said that I was speedin' through their town
They said, "Tomorrow morning you can see the judge then go"
They let me call one person on the phone
I thought I'd be there over night so I'd just call my boss
To tell him I'd be off but not for long
They motioned me inside the cell with seven other guys
One little barred up window in the rear
My cell mate said if they had let me bring some money in
We ought to send the jailer for some beer
We had to pay him double 'cause he was the man in charge
And the jailer's job was not the best in town
Later on his wife brought hot bologna eggs and gravy
The first day I was there I turned it down
Next morning they'd just let us sleep but I was up real early
Wonderin' when I get my release
Later on we got more hot bologna eggs and gravy
By now I wasn't quite so hard to please
Two days later when I thought that I had been forgotten
The sheriff came in chewing on the straw
He said, "Where is this guy who thinks that this is Indianapolis
I'd like to talk to him about the law"
Well, I told him who I was and told him I was working steady
And I really should be a gettin' on my way
That part about me being who I was did not impress him
He said, "The judge will be here any day"
The jailer had his wife and let me tell you she was awful
But she brought that hot bologna every day
And after seven days she got to looking so much better
I asked her if she'd like to run away
Next morning that old judge took every nickel that I had
He said, "Son, let this teach you not to race"
The jailer's wife was smiling from the window as I left
All around the water tank waitin' for a train
A thousand miles away from home sleepin' in the rain
I walked up to a brakeman to give him a line of talk
He said if you've got money 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
[ guitar ]
He put me off in Texas it's a place I dearly love
With the wide open spaces all around me and the moon and stars up above
Nobody seems to want me or lend me a helpin' hand
I'm on my way from Frisco goin' back to Dixie Land
My pocketbook is empty and my heart is full of pain
I was out on the leave at the time just duckin' the fog nosin' around like a hungry dog
In that crazy place called Washington DC
I saw a crowd of people on the White House lawn all carrying signes about VietNam
So I went over to see what was goin' on
It was a strange looking bunch but then I never could understand some people
Oh a fellow came to me with a list in his hand he said we're gatherin' names to send
The telegram of sympathy then he handed me a pen
I said I reckon this is goin' to kids and wives
My friends over there who're givin' their lives
He said ah ah buddy this is goin' to Ho-Chi-Min
I said Ho-Chi who he said Ho-Chi-Min people's leader North VietNam
Oh I wasn't really sure I was hearin' him right
I though I'd better move before I got in a fight
Cause my ears were hurtin' and my ball started hit my lick
Then I thought of another telegram that I've just read
Tellin' my buddy's wife that her husband was dead
It wasn't too long till I was feelin' downright sick
Another held the sign that said we won't fight
I thought to myself boy ain't that right
To leave a lot of our soldiers die instead
I said it's a shame that every man who ever died up there that far off land
Was dyin' for that you wouldn't have to wake up dead
Course he looked at me like I was kinda crazy just another warmonger
Oh I left that place and I went downtown and hit first bar that I'd found
To cool myself off and pacify my brain
You see I was on orders to VietNam little old place just north to Saigon
Had about an hour to catch myself a plane
We stand alone on a quiet empty street
Just you and I and a love that's bitter sweet
On a corner where the street lamp's not so bright
That's where we meet under cover of the night
You belong to someone else, the same for me
But we try to forget that we're not free
So time is ours from dark till dawning light
That's when we meet under cover of the night
There is no chance to change what should have been
So until the darkness brings you back again
I'll be waiting on a corner out of sight
That's where we meet under cover of the night
There is no chance to change what should have been
So until the darkness brings you back again
I'll be waiting on a corner out of sight
That's where we meet under cover of the night
You took her love away from me but that was your mistake
She's gonna break your heart in two and she'll pick the time and place
You know the end has come an end how long will you have to wait
You'll suddenly fall surprised by at all and she'll pick the time and place
Remember she was once my love but she grew tired of me
She's so wild and reckless her mind changes with the breeze
Remember you were told about the way she operates
You'll suddenly think you're out of your mind and she'll pick the time and place
It's hard to know the fatal glow could come on anytime
When someone that you love so has another love in mind
The sweet success you took from me will leave the bitter taste
For out of the blue you're suddenly through and she'll pick the time and place
I got on my wheels
And I went out on the town draggin'
I hit a big oak tree
It looked like a wreck to the wagon
I got a hospital bill
And the judge waitin' for me to pay
I had a sweet little honey
Just two six packs away
I told the judge there was two trees
And I went 'tween 'em
(Two six packs away, yeah)
He said, from what I hear your condition
That's the way that you seen 'em
(Two six packs away, yeah)
He laid down a hammer
And he gave me ninety long days
I had a sweet little honey
Just two six packs away
Well, I'm workin' on a country road
But it's sunny weather
It's gonna take a while
To put my wheels back together
Now Sunday rolls around
That's my cigarette day
And my baby's still a waitin'
Just two six packs away
When I get out of this place
And don't say I never saw one
(Two six packs away, yeah)
Goin' down to Joe's
And have that big bartender draw one
(Two six packs away, yeah)
For my throat is dry
And my mouth feels like clay
And my baby is a waitin'
Just two six packs away
And my baby is a waitin'
Just two six packs away
And my baby is a waitin'
Have you read any good telephone books lately?
If you ain't then let me recommend one
I've already read that Tulsa telephone book through thirteen times
If you don't know any last names it ain't much fun
Well, I was in Tulsa and didn't have anything going
And she was in Tulsa and didn't have anything on
She said, my name is Shirley and I said, my name is Dave
I woke up the next morning and she was gone
Readin' that Tulsa telephone book will drive a man insane
Especially if that girl, you're looking for has no last name
I got to find her and tell her I don't want our love to end
So I'm readin' that Tulsa telephone book again
All of the Tulsa operators know my voice now
They must know how long I've been alone
If you see a girl named Shirley with some ribbons in her hair
Tell her that she's wanted on the phone
Readin' that Tulsa telephone book will drive a man insane
Especially if that girl, you're looking for has no last name
I got to find her and tell her I don't want our love to end
So I'm readin' that Tulsa telephone book again
I keep on readin' that Tulsa telephone book again
Thank you Lord for all the miles without an accident
But I wanna ask one more favor before my life is spent
Please Lord this once before I turn to dust
Let me run the wheels plumb up a Greyhound bus
You know I have been running these highways in this old rig for a long long time
And I have been humiliated by them dang buses till it's a crime
Well even when I'm empty gettin' all that she's gotten high
They're blowin' their horns and flash them lights on just fly on by
But you know if I had me a rig I'd do about a hundred under the great big load
Well I'd wind her up tight and I'd blow me one of them grey dogs plumb off the road
So Lord before my last run to the foot of them mighty golden stairs
I hope there'll be an answer to this poor old trucker's prayer
So thank you Lord for all the miles without an accident
But I want to ask one more favor before my life is spent
Please Lord this once before I turn to dust
I wheeled into a truck stop in Texas
A little place called Hamburger Dan
I heard that old jukebox a playin'
Song about a truck drivin' man
That waitress done brought me my coffee
I thanked her and I called her back again
I said, "You know that song, it sure did fit me
I'm just a truck drivin' man"
So pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
I climbed up aboard my old semi
Then like a flash, I was gone
Got old them big wheels a rollin'
I'm on my way to San Antone
So pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
I said, pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
I got a cute little gal in every eastern town from Boston to St Louis
There's some that I don't even know but I'm looking forward to
Cause I like my women everywhere I go
So roll on big wheels don't you roll so slow
Peggy Ann is waitin' in Memphis and Betty Lou in Maine
I got a good ole gal in Knoxville but man I forgot her name
But not her figure I remember that
Yeah I'm a kiss stealin' a wheelin' deelin' a truck drivin' son of a gun
[ piano ]
Well there goes Joe flyin' low making up his time
But where I sit I don't believe you'd say I'm wastin' mine
I'm movin' faster than a Jimmy-8
If you think I'm losin' time you're runnin' late
I got a steady little baby waitin' back home for me
But there are six more towns to go till I'm back in Tennessee
And six more women at least I know
I wheeled into a truck stop in Texas
A little place called Hamburger Dan
I heard that old jukebox a playin'
Song about a truck drivin' man
That waitress done brought me my coffee
I thanked her and I called her back again
I said, "You know that song, it sure did fit me
I'm just a truck drivin' man"
So pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
I climbed up aboard my old semi
Then like a flash, I was gone
Got old them big wheels a rollin'
I'm on my way to San Antone
So pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
I said, pour me another cup of coffee
For it is the best in the land
And drop another quarter in the jukebox
Play a song about a truck drivin' man
Like an Indian that's headed for his horse
Like a muddy river you can't change my cause
Got my heart and mind made up and I am ready now to start
On my journey to the center of your heart
Well you beat everything I've ever seen
You're a treasure chest with all the best parts of my dreams
I have never wanted anything that tore me all apart
Like my journey to the center of your heart
[ piano ]
Like a bullet from a mighty mighty gun
Beat me on the head but that won't stop me none
If the world turns out the lights I'll keep on coming in the dark
On my journey to the center of your heart
Well you beat everything...
Down in Macon Georgia there's a woman waitin' for my six foot frame
I got her picture in my mind as I head down the turnpike out of main
I'd better think of something else or I might stick my rifle through the floor
I'll go through hell and half of Georgia till I hold her in my arms once more
Now I don't mean no disrespect to the states I travel through all the time
I just get awful anxious till I put myself back on that Georgia line
Roadsigns they all look the same until I see those Macon City lights
I been through hell and half of Georgia but she'll make it worth my life tonight
[ guitar ]
I coast down through grapevine a glass of it they call a load of wine
I know I oughta sleep some but baby's hot and heavy on my mind
Don't need no help to get me back and I won't lose no time along the way
That old Jimmy understands that if we're runnin' late there'll be the devil to pay
Took on the fuel in Nashville and Chattanooga's what the last sign said
My hardest drivin's over and the half of Georgia's lyin' straight ahead
I've breezed straight to Atlanta and only have a few more miles to go
I've gone through hell and half of Georgia now I can count the minutes till I'm home
Ah look at all them pretty Macon City lights
And I'm thinkin' about that pretty Macon chicks whose gonna make my night tonight
Three hearts in a tangle which heart will I break
Tonight as I sit by my window watching the people go by
I'm trying to reach a decision but I know I can't do what's right
Three hearts in a tangle which heart should I take
Three hearts in a tangle which heart will I break
If I choose the one that I should choose then the other heart would break
But if I'll leave them both then I'd suffer which heart will pay for my mistake
Three hearts in a tangle...
Hey lady I'm looking for a jukebox and a barstool that fits my bottom side
Their streets're just too dark for walking and I'm in no condition to ride
This midnight rider lost his saddle and I'm in no mood for thinking
I need some liquid consolation this night ain't fit for nothing but drinking
Now honey I know your reputation I know the drinks that you can fix
Don't get your fingers frosted trying the way I drink it comes already mixed
This weather's just right for drowning I wanna wash that memory sinking
Bring me one more before the crowd comes this night ain't fit for nothing but drinking
I wish I had a light to fly by I know I'm bound to crash and burn
I might fall in love again tomorrow you'll never really get too blue to learn
My baby's gone the rain is falling there's not a single star out winking
So come on elbow do your number this night ain't fit for nothing but drinking
She's hurt so many men say they've loved her
She gave herself not knowing they're all alive
Tonight she sits alone no longer wanted wishing she could relive her life
Thirty seven single years has her thinking what good did it do to ber so kind
She's been the fool of many lie it lovers
She believed in the words I love you time after time
At midnight she'll be thirty-eight and lonely after all the lady game she's still alone
At midnight she'll be thirty-eight and lonely
Another wasted year another lie and lover gone
[ guitar ]
She's making up new glance for the future she's not gonna be so easy anymore
She's movin' to a new town meet new faces
It's the same old plan she made the year before
Six foot six he stood on the ground
He weighed two hundred and thirty five pounds
But I saw that giant of a man brought down to his knees by love
He was the kind of a man that would gamble on luck
Look you in the eye and never back up
But I saw him crying like a little whipped pup because of love
Can see it with your eyes hold it in your hand but like the wind that covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man this thing called love
It can lift you up it can let you down take your world and turn it all around
Ever since time nothing's ever been found stronger than love
Most men are like me they struggle in doubt
They trouble their minds day in and day out
Too busy with livin' to worry about a word called love
But when I see a mother's tenderness as she holds her young close to her brest
Then I thank God that the world's been blessed with a word called love
Can see it with your eyes...
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
That is also where I want to live someday
I'd see Lincoln Custer Washington and Pearry Nathan Hale and Colin Kelley too
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
Waving on the land of heroes brave and true
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 enemy down a peg
If I do some brave deed I will be a hero and the hero brave is what I wanna be
There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere
In that heaven there must be a place for me
About the time I put myself in fairly decent shape there you are again
About the time I go to bed and finally fall asleep there you are again
About the tim that I stop seeing your face everywhere and I think that I may live again
When I think that I've forgot the color of your hair there you are again
I stay busy to forget that I was once a love of yours
And I hope that I can be the same old way I used to be before you came along
About the time I think that I can put you from my mind
Without you the world won't end
About the time I start to smile and think I'm feeling fine there you are again
[ violin ]
About the time I think that I can put you from my mind...
The streets are dark and empty and you walk them all alone
You think about your love affair and wonder what went wrong
You go to bed each night and pray you'll never see the dawn
Afraid of each tomorrow with its heartless cold unknown
And that's what it's like to be lonesome
With a heart of broken love has taught to cry
And that's what it's like to be lonesome
I know 'cause I'm a mighty lonesome guy
You search to find a tavern where the music's playing loud
You try to lose your heartache in the laughter of the crowd
But the happy couples make you think of things that might have been
Then you'll have to fight the teardrops 'till you're by yourself again
And that's what it's like to be lonesome
With a heart of broken love has taught to cry
And that's what it's like to be lonesome
Up in the morning out to the fields I work like a devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun ain't got nothing to do but roll around heaven all day
Well I fuss with my woman and I toil for my kids I sweat till I'm wrinkled and gray
But that lucky old sun ain't got nothing to do but roll around heaven all day
Oh Lord above can't you see I'm pinin' tears are in my eyes
Send down my cloud with that silvery linin' and left me to paradise
Then show me that river and take me across wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun give me nothing to do but roll around heaven all day
[ ac.guitar ]
Good evening friend hey you're lookin' good I'm happy about your prosperity
But before you ask how I'm a gettin' along well I'm down on my luck temporarily
Temporarily I'm out of touch with the folks on my street
Temporarily there ain't too much left between the sidewalk and my feet
But wait for a while and I'll come back in style
I'm just not what is a happening temporarily
Well I see that you noticed my suit ain't been pressed
No I'm not the fashion this week
But now you know how I think and I'll get back in the pink
I'm just showing my blue side temporarily
I'm just showing my blue side temporarily I'm just showing my blue side temporarily
The talk of the town was a secret to me I was the last one to see
It's funny how blind a heart in love can be
Yes the talk of the town was a secret to me
Everybody else knew about him and that you were meeting secretly
Everyone in town was talking and telling everybody but me
The talk of the town was a secret to me...
[ guitar ]
Headin' back to sugerland USA I been so lonesome ever since I went away
This time I'm a going back to stay with my sugar in sugerland USA
I gotta keep these big wheels rolling on I can see sugerland down the road
And my sugar is waiting patiently right there in sugerland USA
Where sugar is sweeter and loving nights are longer
Sweet love never dies it gets sweeter and stronger
Back home in sugerland USA where the living is easy everyday
You can bet this time I'm gonna stay with my sugar in sugerland USA
Life is looking up again she's back where she belongs
And my old heart is on the man she was gone so long
From loneliness to happiness my life I rearrange
She won't stay but she's here today subject to change
Subject to change overnight and be gone
Free and contained the wild one must know
To love and leave and love again to her isn't strange
So for the time I'll call her mine subject to change
[ piano ]
Well I'm not proud I need her so she's welcomed anytime
But she won't stay because I know I've seen her change her mind
From me to him and back again she'll always be the same
She'll stay a while and I can smile subject to change
Kinda tricky when she's caught in a trap by me
Kinda dumb in a smart little way like she can be
Those cry a little laugh a little moods that fit her to a T
That's why I'm stuck on Jeannie
If she needs a new something there's never ever anything said
But some morning when I'm half asleep here she comes with breakfast in bed
No she's not a politician but somehow you believe the things she says
And that's why I'm stuck on Jeannie
There are times when things go bad and I'm as mad as any man can be
She's the first to catch the meaness who's the first to give forgiveness be
Even through my gloom she can always find the room for sun and flowers
I ask if that's new dress she says no it's really old about an hour
It's her own little world it's a crazy lovin' world forever
There are some pills and modern thrills that I don't understand
I guess that I'm not what you call a modern carefree man
I cut my hair and wear my clothes the way my daddy does
And all I want is having you and good old fashioned love
Good old fashioned love a girl who walks the line
Every day I'll prove my love if you were only mine
A pretty song a pretty night the moon and stars above
Yes I'd be satisfied with you and good old fashioned love
Well I suppose the modern clothes are good enough for them
But sometimes I can hardly tell the women from the men
They're also hip what makes them take what I've been thinking of
I would be satisfied with you and good old fashioned love
Each night when I sleep I dream of a love in my town
I don't count sheep just the faces of her in my town
I miss her all the time and she's always on my mind and then some
A love that is mine gonna stay there this time in my town
Well I write her letters and I always send her X's
And I'm a going back cause there ain't a darn cow in Texas
No need to wait cause I've been every place and then some
And that love that has mind will keep me this time in my town
Well I'm a gonna get there as fast as I can get there back to my town
Maybe a long time but not a lifetime
I'm a gonna hold her tight squeeze her with all my might
Then I put my suitcase down
Well I've met a lot of girls but never like that girl in my town
They remind me of her then they make me lonesome for my town
I knew it all the time though I put it from my mind but I learn some
That the girl that has mind will keep me this time in my town
You're caught in a trouble you mangy pup
Now how you gonna brag about a bad bringin' up
Your pappy was a hound dog son of a gun
You know what they say about a father and son
Stray dog you're just like me (stray dog)
You ain't nothin' more now than you're ever gonna be
Yeah your big long ear's about chewed off
I guess you been a fightin' with the big dog boss
Now you ain't asked if they invented the lift
I'm a forty feet up and I'm a countin' your ribs
Hey stray dog you're a lover boy too (stray dog)
There's a puppy down the street looks just like you
[ guitar ]
Well I wonder where you've been you're a terrible sight
You must've had a litter off the floor last night
Well I know how you're feelin' I wish I could help
But I got a lotta troubles as ever myself
Hey stray dog you ramblin' fool (stray dog)
But I know how you're feelin' I'm a stray dog too
Yeah you're just like me you're a hurtin' pal I left my home and I left my gal
Yeah I'm lonesome but I ain't a gonna change
Cause I just can't wear a collar and a chain
Stray dog you're just like me (stray dog)
You ain't nothin' more now than you're ever gonna be
No you ain't nothin' more now than you're ever gonna be (stray dog)
There's nothing left but burning memories
And that flame just won't flare up inside of me
Although you're gone I see you everywhere
So I keep stirring up the embers of an old love affair
New loves sometimes take the place of old
But I can't turn my love for you from one to hold
You're not in my arms but on my mind you're there
So I keep stirring up the embers of an old love affair
[ piano ]
For me no future too much from the past
So I'll take my mem'ries and keep them while they last
I'll add the fuel then handle them with care
Now I got a story it's true as can be it's about a guy the guy is me
Wake up in the morning it's always I must I gotta catch the six o'clock bus
I grab my hat and my steel toed shoes
I'm a hard working guy with the steel worker's blues
I go to work come rain or come shine eight long hours till the end of that grind
To make all my money to find this way I'm back at that mill I left today
I grab my hat...
Now you might think what I say ain't true
Well let me tell you brother I wouldn't lie to you
You look around I'm sure you're gonna see a lotta hard working guys just like me
Speed traps and weight stations and detour signs
Are standin' between me and that baby o'mine
Well I'm two ton over fifty miles from that stateline
Speed traps and weigh stations and detour signs
I told that dock boss he was loadin' me too full
He told me you just drive it son don't worry what you have to pull
But that old dock boss don't have a baby like mine
And he don't have to worry bout crossin' that stateline
Speed traps and weight stations...
There's a hard hearted lawman that's a waitin' just for me
With a fistful of tickets that I don't wanna see
So I gotta find a backroad for this ol' rig o'mine
Cause I'd rather see my baby than that old judge any time
Speed traps and weight stations...
Somewhere somewhere somewhere
I heard that they're all curvy and that the girls in Jersey are just fine
And that the girls in Philly well now they're really kind of chilly but refined
And I got out of Cleveland cause I couldn't find a single girl who cared
But I'll still find the one for me and she'll know that she's the one for me somewhere
I went to Detroit City and I couldn't find her there in Morder Town
Then I moved down to Chicago where there's wind and women all around
Maybe Kansas City where they wear microminis she'll be there
Come looking for the one for me she'll know that she's the one for me somewhere
Somewhere somewhere somewhere
Vegas had me dizzy cause all the girls are busy but not with me
Now how about that Hollywood where all the girls just sit around and dream
And I still like to travel but it gets much more lonely everywhere
But I'll still find the one for me and she'll know that she's the one for me somewhere
Recorded by Ernest Tubb
Written by Sgt. Henry Stewart and Ernest Tubb
When the postman delivered a letter
It filled her dear heart full of joy
But she didn't know til she read the inside
It was the last one from her darling boy.
Dear Mom, was the way that it started
I miss you so much, it went on
Mom, I didn'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 isn't so neat
You know as you did, when I was a kid
And I'd come home with mud on my feet.
The captain just gave us our orders
And Mom, we will carry them through.
I'll finish this letter the first chance I get
But now I'll just say I love you.
Then the mother's old hands began to tremble
And she fought against tears in her eyes
But they came unashamed for there was no name
And she knew that her darling had died.
That night as she knealt by her bedside
She prayed Lord above hear my plea
And protect all the sons that are fighting tonight
I never stop in one place long till life starts closin' in
Then a night wind beckons and I'll go running with the wind
Well I grew up an orphan boy no one to call my own
Deserted by my family never felt that I belong
So I went running with the wind to hell and back again
From north to south east to west running with the wind
I loved a little girl one time but I didn't love her long
Late one night a wind came up and with the morning I was gone
I never tell them where I'm going they don't know where I've been
They only know I was here and gone running with the wind
Well a high wind brought me to this town I'll leave here with a breeze
You never know how the wind will blow and I'll scatter like the leaves
I never stop in one place long till life start's closin' in
Then a night wind beckons and I'll go running with the wind
I never stop in one place long till life start's closin' in
Then a night wind beckons and I'll go running with the wind
Well there once was a time that this farm of mine was plowed by a mule and a man
They worked from dawn till darkness just tryin' to civilize the sand
Spikin' holes then placin' a seed like each one was a friend
Then hope they'd planted it deep enough to survive the dusthole winds
But lots of things have changed since that ol' mule went to the barn
I brought that little ol' house out back inside where it's nice and warm
No more blisters from a walkin' plow or chokin' the weedin' hole
I just leave the land the way it is and watch good money grow
Soil banks and surplus wheat leaves lots of time on my hands
But I'll take time over blisters any week
And live off the fat of the (live off the fat of the) live off the fat of the land
[ ac.guitar ]
Well as long as they keep payin' me not a work or lift a hand
I'm gonna keep on buyin' up all this money makin' sand
And I guess I'll be real famous soon and that's a matter of fact
They're sayin' they're gonna mention my name in the Farmer's Almanac
And I owe it all to Uncle Sam for a deal you just can't beat
And I moved from old starvation road to live on Easy Street
And I know this golden chain of luck will sooner or later break
But by the time that it finally does I won't have to state
Seems I always have to slip around to be with you my dear
Slippin' around afraid we'd might be found
I know I can't forget you and I've got to have you near
But we just have to slip around and live in constant fear
Though you're tied up with someone else and I'm all tied up too
I know I've made mistakes dear but I'm so in love with you
I hope someday I'll find a way to bring you back to me
And I won't have to slip around to have your company
[ ac.guitar ]
I hope someday I'll find a way to bring you back to me
Well away down yonder on the Candy Creek I wait a lot of fiddles on my wagon seat
I tune up the fiddle and I rosin' that bow and I play a little tune wherever I go
Sleepy eyed John better get your britches on sleepy eyed John better tie your shoe
Sleepy eyed John you better get your bitches on
Try to get to heaven fore the devil gets to you
[ guitar ]
Well sleepy Eyed John had one wooden leg wadn't nothin' but a little wooden peg
With one shoe off and one shoe on
He'd do the double shuffle till the cows come home
Sleepy eyed John...
[ guitar ]
Well over in the hickory and down in the pine
The racoon laughs and the hound dog whines
And the hound dog whines and the racoon laughs
And they cross that river in a minute and a half
Sleepy eyed John...
[ guitar ]
Hey sleepy eyed John once stalked a goose that goose it flapped but couldn't get loose
Said John to the goose well you better be still
I'm gonna miss my supper and tea if you will
Sleepy eyed John...
Some people say a man's made outta mud a poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones a mind that's weak and a back that's strong
You load sixteen tons what do you get just another day older deeper and debt
St Peter don't you call me I cause can't go I owe my soul to the company store
[ guitar ]
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up a shovel walked out to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of No 9 coal and the storeboss said well bless my soul
You load sixteen tons...
[ guitar ]
I was born one mornin' it was drizzlin' rain
A figtin' and trouble that's my middle name
I was risin' the cane raiped by that ol' mom of mine
Ain't no hightoned woman makes me walk the line
You load sixteen tons...
[ guitar ]
Well if you see me comin' you better step aside a lotta men didn't a lotta men died
One fist is iron the other one's steel
If the right one don't get you then the left one will
Yeah everybody comes here to have a ball
If anybody's missin' well we give 'em a call
For we're always happy son of a gun oh lots of fun at the 6-0-1
Rumphouse Jack he's feeling fine he's got big eyes for Clementine
But no one cares let the old clock run havin' fun at the 6-0-1
The floor is a jumping everybody's bumping not one happy face
Well there ain't no place just like this place this must be the place
Guys all lookin' at them good lookin' dolls big eyes searchin' like a tree full of owls
Well never know when the morning comes a having fun at the 6-0-1
[ guitar ]
If it looks a little crowded inside the door holler move over here comes Joe More
If you didn't bring a friend well we'll get you one oh lots of fun at the 6-0-1
If you come a little late well that's alright cause everybody stays till broad daylight
The band keeps movin' when your feet get numb a having fun at the 6-0-1
The floor is a jumping...
Well I pulled outta Pittsburgh a rollin' down that Eastern Seaboard
I got my diesel wound up and she's a runnin' like a 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 a gonna make it home tonight
I got my ten forward gears and a Georgia overdrive
I'm takin' little white pills and my eyes are open wide
I just passed a Jimmy and a White I been a passin' everything in sight
Six days on the road and I'm a 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 a some other 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 a gonna make it home tonight
[ guitar ]
ICC is a checkin' on down the line
Well I'm a little overweight and my log book's way behind
But nothin' bothers me tonight I can dodge all the scales alright
Six days on the road and I'm a gonna make it home tonight
Well my rig's a little old but that don't mean she's slow
There's a flame from her stack and that smoke's a blowin' black as coal
My hometown's a comin' in sight if you think I'm a happy you're right
Six days on the road and I'm a gonna make it home tonight
Six days on the road and I'm a gonna make it home tonight
Well, I pulled out of Pittsburgh,
Rollin' down the Eastern Seaboard.
I've got my diesel wound up,
And she's running like never before.
There's a speed zone ahead, all right,
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 a Georgia overdrive.
I'm taking little white pills,
And my eyes are open wide.
I just passed a 'Jimmy' and a 'White':
I've 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 good-bye.
I could have a lot of women,
But I'm not like some other guys.
I could find one to hold me tight,
But I could never believe that it's right.
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight.
I.C.C. is checking on down the line.
I'm a little overweight and my log's three days behind.
But nothing bothers me tonight.
I can dodge all the scales all right,
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight.
Well my rig's a little old,
But that don't mean she's slow.
There's a flame from her stack,
And the smoke's rolling black as coal.
My hometown's coming in sight,
If you think I'm happy your right.
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight.
Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight.
The poundin' of the big bustyres in a hot tarline I gotta play another matinee
This old guitar's gettin' worn but not as worn as me but I just keep on singing away
You should understand that all us picking Nashville cats are tired
And we're thinkin' bout a love of yesterday
Well that'll keep us goin' for another show or two and I'll just keep on singing away
Played a show last night in Tuscon Arizona the one tonight's about three days away
If I ever get back home I bet the kids won't know me
Here comes Mr Daddy hear they'll say
Spent too many hours with those good ol' friends of mine
Could be late for that show we're gonna play
If my head will let me make it I'll make it through the night
And I'll just keep on singing away
[ guitar ]
Played a show last night in Tuscon Arizona...
I'd give a hundred dollars for a homecooked meal
If I make it back I think I'm gonna stay
That's what my mind keeps thinking but I know that won't change
And I'll just keep on singing away
How about that Toronto to Houston to Chicago trip in that order
I know gets to be some sorta drag but we keep at it
Imagine that seems like you're goin' to bed at 3:45
Silver rails shining ahead through the night one on the left and one on the right
Ribbons of steel leading me on silver rails silver rails carry me home
I hear the wheels go clickety-clack riding alone this steel silver track
Up off the mountain to the valley below silver rails taking me where I must go
Silver rails shining...
I see the station she's waiting for me my darling Anita so lovely to see
Lord keep the engine on this silver track
And my thanks to you sir for bringing me back
No need to tell me where you've been for I know who's in town again
And tonight you saw him secretly oh you've got a short memory
Yes you've got a short memory you don't care how much you hurt me
So I guess this is where I came in I can see you'll take him back again
And after all your promises to me oh yes you've got a short memory
Well I met a man in Montgomery Alabama
I was waitin' on a bus he was shinin' shoes and I heard him say
I'm a shoeshine man number one in the land
I'm a shoeshine man make your shine where you stand
Leave me a tip if you can I'm a shoeshine man
Well I can sing I can dance I can play my harmonica too
I got a brand new thing called the South Side Montgomery Blues
You better stick around and watch me cause I'm an entertainer fool
I'm a shoeshine man...
Why I learned my trade from that rank poppin' daddy o'mine
He shined pair of alligators made a hundred dollar bill on time
And when the meat get scare shine two or three pairs for a dime
I'm a shoeshine man...
I had a girl that helped me she had a lotta hoochy coochy ways
She's bumpin' and grindin' paid that girl a dollar a day
But she was shy on age and the law come and took her away
Well, seven lonely days make one lonely week
And seven lonely nights make one lonely me
Ever since the time you told me we were through
Well, seven lonely days I cried and cried for you
Oh, my darling, I'm crying, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo
Ain't no use in denying I cried for you
It was your favorite past time just a making me blue
Well, last week was the last time I cried for you
Seven pillows blue I filled with my tears
Seven letters too I filled with all my fears
I guess it never pays to make your lover blue
Seven lonely days I've cried and cried for you
Oh ,my darling, I'm crying
Seven lonely days make one lonely week
You always go away and do the things you wanna do
I think you're tryin' to hurt me all you can
You'll be working on that problem for a long long time
You'll find that I'm a very patient man
There are times I think you want me just to say goodbye
With you I think it's some kind of a plan
To see how long it takes me to let my patience go
But you'll find that I'm a very patient man
I can see that you can't see how much that I love you
You know that I'll keep hangin' in till all your love is through
So go ahead and do the things that satisfy your mind
But I'll tell you exactly where you stand
Your passing friends will use you up then they won't have the time
Then you'll find that I'm a very patient man
Rooster Hill
by Ronnie Rogers
Last saturday night on rooster hill
I lost 4 one hundred dollar bills
came home with my champion cock cut all to pieces
some home made shine made my vision blur
and I carelessly tied up a pair of spurs
last saturday night on rooster hill
I pick Cortez up off the ground
neck was floppin' he wasn't makin' a sound
left leg was missing and he was barely breathin'
I dropped him down in paper sack
and told old Charlie I'd be coming back
next saturday night on rooster hill
so I took Cortez home and laid him in his cage
he was up and about in a couple of days
hopin' round and crowing loud revenge
I feed him steak the rest of the week
he'd just rip it apart with his angry beak
got to snapin' the cage wired like a pair of pliers
look out cortez is coming back
and he wont be in no paper sack
he's healed and he's fired up
for rooster hill
well saturday night rolled around again
and i tucked cortez into his portable pin
and we headed on up to check out the secluded hill
when we arrived the bones was already rollin
and you could hear Charlie's big bad gray a crowing
and sure enough it's saturday night on rooster hill
we scaled them up and Cortez was light
and I said that's alright let old one leg fight
and Charlie gave three to one odds one his big bad gray
we faced them off and Cortez knew
he was looking at the bird that spurred and chewed him half away last week
on rooster hill
we set 'em down to let 'em scratch
and it took all I had to hold Cortez back
he dug a hole deep enough to bury the big gray
Charlie look at me and said a grand to five
I said Charlie you're on let them feathers fly
It's saturday night
on rooster hill
look out cortez is coming back
and he wont be in no paper sack
he's healed and he's fired up
for rooster hill
Earl gives a count and hollers pit
and cortez flies up to make one fatale hit
and Charlie kicks his big bad gray in the gully
he slowly peels off ten big bills
and I say Charlie old buddy I know how it feels
this aint my first trip to rooster hill
It's sunday morning back here on the farm
things are quiet except around the barn
it's sunrise and I'm cookin' Cortez a t-bone
all the bars are closed and the only action
is my champion cock crowing satisfaction
and me a count'n my take...
There's a baby in Minneapolis that I ain't never seen
And I guess he'd never guess that I'm his dad
And there's a woman up in east St Louis she'll make one hell of a wife
For a man with the strength and the courage I never had
Cause every used car lot and hock shop from LA to New Orleans
Is a restin' place for everything I own
But travelin's got me weary and the road took all my dreams
Now the rollin's all gone outta this rollin' stone
There's a little white framed cottage got boards on the windows and doors
At the Rue de San Michelle in Montreal
And if you're ever in San Quentin cell Block B Cell 24
Well you just might see my name carved on the wall
Cause every used car lot...
Got a motel key three cigarettes seven bottle tops
And last week's TV guide and a half a comb
Hey and some men grow families some men grow crops
But older is the only thing I grow
Cause every used car lot...
The rollin's all gone outta this rollin' stone
Wish that I was on old Rocky Top down in the Tennessee hills
Ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top half bear the other half cat
Wild as a mink but sweet as soda pop I still dream about that
Rocky Top you'll always be home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top Rocky Top Tennessee Rocky Top Tennessee
Once two strangers climbed old Rocky Top looking for a moonshine still
Strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top reckon they never will
Now corn won't grow at all on Rocky Top dirt's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top get that corn from a jar
Rocky Top you'll always be...
[ harmonica ]
I've had years of cramped up city life trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life can't get simple again
I was born on the banks of the river grew up in a floatin' shack
Old Man River was my front yard we had snakes and frogs out back
I learned to cry to a steamboat whistle I cut my teets on a pal of a cat
From this big star just to make my mark
I had to fight like a river rat I'm nothin' but a river rat
Grab that net catch that fish it's all I've ever known
Trap that otter don't you miss I'll give him the great alone
With the temper of a stepped on rattler and the gall of a mean wild cat
Well the strong survive and just to stay alive
You gotta fight like a river rat I'm a meaner than a river rat
[ guitar ]
I had me a woman down the river she had eyes for me alone
She was here last night but like this wood with the mornin' tide she was gone
To the night like the great Big Muddy was runnin' wild as blind as a bat
My dream was sank when it went over the bank
It drawned all the river rats and I was runnin' like a river rat
Grab that net...
Quittin' time quittin' time like a big dollar bill a waitin' on a little thin dime
Quittin' time quittin' time wanna find my baby by the docks at quittin' time
Well I don't mind workin' I gotta make a dollar to spend
Yeah I'll sure enough to spend it then I'll have to make a dollar again
Don't wanna make a fortune that I'll only have to leave behind
Wanna make an honest livin' drop my trailer off at quittin' time
Quittin' time quittin' time...
[ guitar ]
Yeah the highway's wet and I'm a little bit afraid tonight
Afraid if I ever get a break I'll fold like a switchblade knife
Oh my eyes are heavy but I see the city limit sign
Well Lady Luck is with me cause I'm home and it's quittin' time
Quittin' time quittin' time...
Wanna see my baby at the docks at quittin' time
Wanna find my baby by the docks at quittin' time
The first sound I heard was a woman's cry
The first word I learned to utter was goodbye
Forgive me if I'm wrong in what I do to you while passin' through passin' through
A happiness for me cannot be found but yet I still search from town to town
No offence but I don't think I'll find it here with you
Goodbye babe just passin' through
Passin' through your life like a raging river
No woman needs or can hold the love I give her
Please understand I can't control these things I do
While passin' through passin' through
Well that was that did you say you thought you loved me
Well that's too bad girl for if you really do
You'll just awaken with the dawn and find your love has flown
Like an old wild goose passin' through
Passin' through your life...
Like an old North wind passin' through
Why must I love the heartless one
Who'll never know the harm she's done
Though love is blind, I should have known
Just call me lonesome from now on
I climb the stairs up to my room
But there's no one to meet me in the gloom
The silence tells me she is gone
Just call me lonesome from now on
These walls will hide me when I cry
And I hope that heaven lets me die
What good is life when hope is gone
Just call me lonesome from now on
Where does a little boy go after he leaves his carefree life
Where does a little boy go he's a young man a looking for a wife
Where does a young man go with a woman and a family that really cares
Where does a young man go he goes suddenly to some silver in his hair
Where does the silver hair go when this grownup man has settled in his ways
Where does the silver hair go it just turns right into yesterdays
Where did those yesterdays go they just seemed to disappear into the past
Where did those yesterdays go they turned into memories so very fast
Where does a memory go will it stay around to last and to enjoy
Where does a memory go there'll be memories as long as there's our little boys
