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Please allow this page a few minutes to load (it's huge!).  If you press Control F  you can easily search for a key word(s) and then listen to the song while checking the lyrics.  See if some of these songs will work with your project.

 

The Mystic Cowboys’ music has songs about cabin, Uncle Sam, Deadwood, Bourbon Street, rainmaker, sin, metal horses, happy toad, mama, Willie, tears, scarecrow, butterflies, man in black, drink, sober, love, crazy, fairy tales, Sioux City, lasso, clowns, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, prairie, Roger Miller, too hot, serendipity, Las Vegas, another world, angels, good luck, funny farm, secrets, outlaw creed, brand new buffalo, second-hand smoke, honky-tonk, tornado, Nashville, etc., etc.

 

Listed below are the lyrics of the Mystic Cowboys’ songs.

 

Cabin Fever - Click to Play 

There’s a fat brown Labrador trying to get out of the cold

Layin’ out by the wood stove he’s getting old

That storm would have ripped right through him

Left three foot of snow behind

But you can’t let cabin fever wrap around your mind

 

We danced round and round like swirling snow

We danced round and round ‘bout as fast as we can go

 

Cabin fever’s got a big hat on this town

Cabin fever’s takin’ us down

 

We danced round and round like swirling snow

We danced round and round ‘bout as fast as we can go

Round and round like swirling snow

We danced round and round ‘bout as fast as we can go

 

My bike’s in the shed

My woman’s in my head

My bike’s in the shed

My woman’s in my head

Labor Jig (The Way It Always Goes) - Click to Play 

Pain was in my heart

Thought it was my head

I’m smiling but I’m hurt

I know that I ain’t dead

I heard her naked laugh

But my brain was working slow

She slid inside a silky shirt

That’s the way it always goes

 

Fingernails peeled an orange

Like she stripped away my soul

A man ain’t got no hope

when he loses self control

My eyes were in her cleavage

But my brain was working slow

Heat burned away my sorrows

That’s the way it always goes

My eyes were in her cleavage

But my brain was working slow

Heat burned away my sorrows

That’s the way it always goes

 

I was dancing like Travolta

I’m fat but I can move

A promise in her eyes

Put me in her groove

That woman tore me down

My brain was working slow

The Sweet Lord sends forgiveness

That’s the way it always goes

 

That woman tore me down

She powdered up my nose

The Sweet Lord sent forgiveness

That’s the way it always goes

That woman tore me down

She got me out of my clothes

The Sweet Lord sends forgiveness

That’s the way it always goes

The Sweet Lord sends forgiveness

That’s the way it always goes

 

Tomorrow - Click to Play 

There’s nothing really wrong

Wish I could turn around and play some songs

But the money stayed away

And got no time to play today

 

But tomorrow

I’ll fly like a blue jay in the summer rain

Tomorrow we’ll laugh and play music, just two old friends

Tomorrow we’ll spend time like it will never end

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

 

Hey what’s the fuss

We both missed the bus to the clouds

There’s a rainbow in the sky

Please don’t you cry ,neither will I

 

But tomorrow

I’ll fly like a blue jay in the summer rain

Tomorrow we’ll laugh and play music, just two old friends

Tomorrow we’ll spend time like it will never end

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

But tomorrow

I’ll fly like a blue jay in the summer rain

 

In This World (Bush) - Click to Play 

I’m pondering on the source of all the anger in this world

Right now I just don’t have a clue

There gun runners selling war in the midst of this world

It’s crazy what greed makes people do

 

Tell me Mr. President do you figure you’ll always be in this world

You talk like God gave you a big war plan

Misdirection and deception are your footprints in this world

It’s crazy what fear can do to a man

 

Stockpiles of wealth and privilege lead to killing in this world

You’ve got to protect the treasures of your land

Sharing, Loving and Giving are blessing in this world

We’re all connected why can’t we understand

 

Pondering on the source of all the anger in this world

 

Easter Morning - Click to Play 

Grandma sitting at sunrise

Waiting on the sun

Songbirds sing her a lullaby

Easter has come

 

Cold sad winter is in retreat

Ice still covers Lake Madison

But church bells are happier this morning

Cause Easter Morning has come

Easter Morning has come

 

Well Grandma looks pretty in a flower dress

Plays her Irish Accordion

Saint Patrick’s was in Holy Week this year

Now Easter Morning has come

Easter Morning has come

 

Grandma smiles young at breakfast

Rowdy and noisy grandchildren

Song birds are singing brightly

Easter Morning has come

Easter Morning has come

 

Go Easy and Run - Click to Play 

Leaping from a train

On the sunny shore

Don’t you worry about your troubles no more

Find a little sand a little sun

Go easy and run

 

Waking from a dream

My you’re running fast

Can’t hardly see the shadows you cast

Find a little sand a little sun

Go easy and run

 

Waking from a dream

People off a bus

Honey they don’t really think like us

Let’s find a little sand a little sun

Go easy and run

Leap Day - Click to Play 

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

 

Did that sleepy meadow change

Did the flowers all bloom

Were you grabbing your guitar

As you left the room

 

Did the math between the stars

All make perfect sense

As Einstein dreamed

 

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were your love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were your love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

Not A Man - Click to Play 

You can see a tree for what it is

Wind may have ravaged it’s limbs

You can see a tree for what it is

But it’s not a man

 

You can hear the sea in a sea shell

Secrets it whispers may be true

You can hear the sea in a sea shell

But it’s not a man

Oh no it’s not a man

A man is of those things

And if you listen close to that sea shell

You may hear the songs of a distant land

Sung by a small child

But that echo’s not a man

 

Yes you can see a tree for what it is

And time may have taken all its leaves

Yes you can see a tree for what it is

But it’s not a man

No it’s not a man

A man is of those things

If you listen close to that tree

You may hear the songs of a distant land

Sung by a small child

But that echo of that child is not a man

Winter Season - Click to Play 

When he took to leaving

He was awful tired of grieving

Wanted to be out on his own

 

Blue uniform collar

He’d sell anything for dollars

He was smooth and hard as a stone

 

And now I know the reason

He was in his winter season

He was waiting for his shoots to crack  the ground

He found his occupation

In the great lawless nation

When he saw his horse go down

Saw his horse going down

Saw that horse going down

 

When he took to killing

He was awful tired of spilling

His own blood just to see the color red

He left his homeland

Became enough to make a stand

Now he’s overseas and the yankee’s dead

That’s how it gets out of the country sometimes Yankee

 

And now I know the reason

He was in his winter season

He was waiting for his shoots to crack  the ground

He found his occupation

In the great lawless nation

When he saw his horse go down

Saw his horse going down

Saw that horse going down

 

Lifted him off the ground

Lifted him off the ground

No Train - Click to Play 

There ain’t no train runnin’ through here

No train runnin’ through here anymore

There ain’t no train runnin’ through here

No train runnin’ through here anymore

 

There ain’t no train

 

Ides of March - Click to Play 

She’s limpin’ some but her stride is sharp

Sundogs in the sky on the Ides of March

Rainbow rising in an angel’s heart

Gilded wounds on the Ides of March

 

She believes in angels

She believes in angels

 

Well she’s in the mirror and it’s looking back

She’s a flower in the shades of black

She rides a rainbow she follows the arch

Her years behold the Ides of March

 

She believes in angels

She believes in angels

 

Burned Gasoline - Click to Play 

Some secrets they just ain’t true

It’s the finger pointing back at you

Worm is in the apple core

Blue collar worker is the rich man’s whore

 

And I’m locked into the mortal truth

All these lies just drain the youth

Show them games and make them play

Give lip service about judgment day

 

Give ample drink to drown the fools

Tell ‘em war ain’t got no rules

W, he’s scaring all of us

Fly your flag and get on the bus

 

Well how many soldiers die in vain

And callin’ out their momma’s name

Tell me has the American Dream

All burned away in gasoline

John F - Click to Play 

Across the universe inside a dream

I was ridin’ on a light beam

With a man I’d met from the past

Who was introducing himself

To the future

 

The spirits are returning from their sleep

Still having earthly promises to keep

I said John F you’re drivin’ fast back

From the future

Born Kings - Click to Play 

They were born to be kings

But they die as a poor boy sings

But that’s another song

Another song

 

Guns kill a child

Why ain’t the world wise

That’s another song

That’s another song

Make Her Come Back - Click to Play 

Make her come back

Lord make her stay

Don’t let the cold wild wind blow her away

 

Make her come back

Lord make her stay

Don’t let the cold wild wind blow her away

 

Under dark black clouds

Babies cry

You and I under endless skies

Mother angel called you home

She’s tired of being left alone

 

Make her come back

Lord make her stay

Don’t let the cold wild wind blow her away

 

Oh make her come back

Lord make her stay

Don’t let the cold wild wind blow her away

Buy This Country - Click to Play 

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

 

They arrested my brother

They never liked us in Denver

Did we even get a bails bondsman

I can’t even remember

 

Hey meet me at the border

I’m the Fourth of July

I can’t even speak their words

They make me cry

 

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

 

Here’s some money from my piggy bank

At the slaughter house

Well Lord I’m layin’ low

Silent as a mouse

 

Hey meet me at the border

I’m the Fourth of July

Don’t ask me about old Juan

That will make me cry

 

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

If I had the money to buy this country

I’d move down to Mexico

Today - Click to Play 

Well today

Today

Well I’m walkin’ down the street

Moanin’ out a wish

Like I could see the future from down here

The blackbirds surround me in their empty high branches

Like they know my sentence and they’re watching me walk to the chair

 

Well today

Today

I started to pick up my wasted yesterday chances

There’s nothing you can get your heart wrapped around like broken down busted blues

 

Well today

Today

I’m gonna see if I can forget the criticism that I level at myself

And remember the beautiful touches from the past feminine fingers

 

Hell I’m walkin’ fast thinkin’ I was once fleet of foot

I stop and eat a green apple

As tart as childhood

 

Well today

Today

On my return I stand mirrored in the patio door

There’s grey in my beard

Our fat long-haired cat stares at me

We both put up with each other and try to stay out of each other’s way

The nice lady of the house pets us both some days

Leap Day - Click to Play 

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

 

Did that sleepy meadow change

Did the flowers all bloom

Were you grabbing your guitar

As you left the room

 

Did the math between the stars

All make perfect sense

As Einstein dreamed

 

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were your love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

Did you reach out for the light

I think you might have tried

Were your love ones in sight

I think you might have cried

 

(Down to) New Orleans - Click to Play 

Drivin’ FEMA trailers to New Orleans

It’s tin on wheels and mosquitoes screens

Truckers full of Benzedrine

Headin’ on down to New Orleans

 

Blue bird in the street in New Orleans

The sounds of hope and broken dreams

Poor boy, gumbo and red beans

Staples down in New Orleans

Lord in Heaven those poor boys blow

Mississippi it meets Gulf of Mexico

 

Lord you can hear those poor boys blow

Where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico

 

I’m passin’ through to old New Orleans

This country’s broke from gasoline

The river goes high in New Orleans

Sweepin’ up those broken dreams

Headin’ on down to New Orleans

It’s not Mardi gras it’s Halloween

Headin’ on down to New Orleans

On sweet hopes from broken dreams

 

Lord you can hear those poor boys blow

Where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico

Lord you can hear them poor boys blow

Where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico

 

Play Pretty Music - Click to Play 

Let’s play pretty music all night long

Laugh and dance and sing some songs

Moon is bright the wind is sweet

Trees are swayin’ to an easy beat

 

This takes me back to beaches and sunsets of my youth

All the kissin’ and the lovin’ and the tears that ride with the truth

 

Let’s play pretty music all night long

Laugh and dance and sing some songs

Moon is bright the wind is sweet

Trees are swayin’ to an easy beat

 

The stars remind us we all share the light

It’s in our eyes, sparks our soul

It’s forever to tide us through the night

 

So let’s play pretty music all night long

Let’s laugh and dance and sing some songs

Moon is bright the wind is sweet

Trees are swayin’ to an easy beat

 

So let’s play pretty music all night long

Laugh and dance and sing some songs

Moon is bright the wind is sweet

Trees are swayin’ to an easy beat

 

Clouds are Water - Click to Play 

If you don’t know by now

Time won’t change your mind

Can’t we see real beauty

Until it’s left behind

 

Clouds are only water

Trapped up in the sky

They’re waiting on the rainstorm

They seem like you and I

 

Another moonlight confession

Is whispered in the dark

Lovers should always forgive

But that’s the hardest part

 

Clouds are only water

They’re trapped up in the sky

They’re waiting on the rainstorm

They seem like you and I

 

Clouds are only water

They’re trapped up in the sky

They’re waiting on the rainstorm

They seem like you and I

 

Fire, Wind and Hail - Click to Play 

I hear your footsteps behind me

I feel you creeping on my trail

There’s three things that you deliver

Fire, wind and hail

 

Middle California there’s some weak minds

That you can bend to your will

Gasoline on the breath of hot winds

And fools with matches that kill

 

I’m a poor boy that don’t need your castles

If I’m eatin’ I guess I’m all right

I hope I’ll be floatin’ on the river

If your flames come lookin’ for me tonight

If your flames come look for me tonight

 

I hear your footsteps behind me

I feel you creeping on my trail

There’s three things that you deliver

Fire, wind and hail

That’s fire, wind or hail

 

As It Snowed - Click to Play 

We talked for hours, hours and hours

As it snowed, as it snowed

 

The fire was perfect

The wine was red and warm

North wind whistled a lullaby in the storm

 

We talked for hours, hours and hours

As it snowed, as it snowed

 

Grandma’s quilt, woven squares and candlelight

Soft yellow words

Long love promises through the night

 

We talked for hours, hours and hours

As it snowed, as it snowed

 

We talked for hours, hours and hours

As it snowed, as it snowed

 

We talked for hours, hours and hours

As it snowed, as it snowed

 

Circle Song - Click to Play 

There’s a frozen pond on the hillside

That’s lit up from the icy winter moon

And there’s a pickup moving slow

Down the gravel road

Snow plow ain’t left him too much room

 

There’s a blizzard comin’

You can feel it in your bones

East wind blowin’ it in

Should be headed home

You should be headed home

 

Horses are white from the snow, not movin’

The only dark is in their eyes

Dog in the ditch is huntin’ rabbit

Catches a lame one and it cries

 

There’s a blizzard comin’

You can feel it in your bones

East wind is blowin’ it in

You should be headed home

You should be headed home

 

There’s an ice shack on that small pond

Smoke from a stove curls in the air

They must be catchin’ some big fish

Or there wouldn’t be no one there

 

There’s a blizzard comin’

You can feel it in your bones

East wind is blowin’ it in

You should be headed home

You should be headed home

You should be headed home

 

Stoplight for Christmas? - Click to Play 

Would you like a stoplight for Christmas

The back lot seems to be full of them

I bought them at auction late this fall

And no I’m not jokin’ at all

Would you like a stoplight for Christmas

 

Would you like a pair of cowboy boots for Christmas

My closet seems to be full of them

I’ve worn them to rodeos, have a broke-in feel

Some even have no heels

Would you like a pair of cowboy boots for Christmas

 

Would you like a stoplight for Christmas

Money is a little tight this year

But I hear Christmas bells ring

Christmas love is a real thing

So would you like a stoplight for Christmas

 

Keep Your Soul Strong - Click to Play 

Count all the baby curls and the white snowflakes

Have a small puppy, do whatever it takes

Taste it like ice cream or smell it like the rain

Hold it so tightly you cry out in pain

 

Whatever you do, live life hard

Play like you’ll always draw the winning card

Love long and never quit

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

Don’t settle for walking if you want to run

Stand up to a bully if it needs to be done

Remember the fallen and play hard for your teams

Climb all your mountains and echo all your dreams

 

Whatever you do, live life hard

Play like you’ll always draw a winning card

Love long and never quit

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

 

Chase the Light - Click to Play 

I chase the light into tomorrow

Leave the darkness of the night

Remembering the sunny love of golden yesterdays

And newborn dreams that were never out of sight

My pretty girls are prettier every time

Every time they grace me with a smile

The grumpy bear still likes a little bit of honey

I might limp but I’m walkin’ the extra mile

 

If I’m rockin’ in my old age

I pray the wind blows through my head

And I dance my cane to old jitterbuggin’ songs

And make a mess of things of instead of dyin’ in my bed

 

I chase the light into tomorrow

I leave the darkness of the night

Remembering the sunny love of golden yesterdays

And newborn dreams that were never out of sight

Chase the light into tomorrow

Leave the darkness of the night

 

The Rounder and the Princess - Click to Play 

He’s a rounder

An Irish whiskey pounder

Jiggin’ on his feet

To yesterday’s beat

She’s a poor princess

Of falling picket fences

Believing in the best

Who won’t lay dreams to rest

 

Comes the cold north wind

They refuse to let it in

Bundle up as man and wife

Winter storm can take your life

 

He’s a pounder

He stays around her

She’s got a sweetness

Takes away his blackness

He spits and cusses

She prays and fusses

Must be some angels

Holding off the devils

 

Comes the cold north wind

They refuse to let it in

Bundle up as man and wife

Winter storm can take your life

 

Buzzy and Grandpa - Click to Play 

Everyone says that life ain’t fair

Well neither is death

There’s good people that really care

Drawin’ their last breath

Then there’s them that’s suckin’ air

Out at the end of their line

Man that don’t seem fair

Them bastards just doin’ time

 

Buzzy asked Grandpa, do you think there’s a master plan?

Grandpa said yeah, I think there is, it’s a fucked up plan

 

Everyone says that life ain’t fair

Well neither is death

There’s good people that really care

And they’re drawin’ their last breath

There’s them that’s just suckin’ air

Out at the end of their line

Man that don’t seem fair

Them type of bastards just doin’ time

 

Buzzy asked Grandpa, how ‘bout them big wheels of war?

Grandpa said I’ve been there with them bastards but I wouldn’t go there anymore

 

Everyone says that life ain’t fair

Well neither is death

There’s good people that really care

And drawin’ their last breath

And then there’s them that’s just suckin’ air

Out at the end of their line

Man that don’t seem fair

Them type of bastards just doin’ time

 

Everyone says that life ain’t fair

Well neither is death

There’s good people that really care

They’re drawin’ their last breath

And them there that’s suckin’ air

Out at the end of their line

Man that don’t seem fair

Them bastards just doin’ time

 

Brown, Like the Old Wild West - Click to Play 

Dirty from the trail

Woman on the mind

Crawl inside the sunset

See what you find

 

Brown, like the old Wild West

Keep your eyes open or you’ll catch one in the chest

It’s brown, like the old Wild West

 

Crazy bounty hunters

Woman in the bed

Stumblin’ tequila runners

Changin’ words you said

 

Brown, like the old Wild West

Keep your eyes open or you’ll catch one in the chest

It’s brown, like the old Wild West

 

Saddle sore with rashes

Woman talkin’ secrets

Behind her dark eyelashes

How many secrets

 

Brown, like the old Wild West

Keep your eyes open or you’ll catch one in the chest

Brown, like the old Wild West

 

Nemo Nightmare - Click to Play 

Cat cry came over the mountain

In the cold air that’s a long way to go

Horses were restless and noisy

But they calmed with the first sight of snow

 

He went to split some firewood

As the blizzard came crashing down

It was blowing so hard and so heavy

Immense, it covered all the ground

 

The wind it ripped through the night

Wind ripped through the night

 

It snowed for nights and days

And the horses were lost in the white

Mountain cats they came callin’

On the wind of the night

 

They went out to fetch more firewood

The blizzard was still crashing down

Red blood in the white snow

No horses to be found

And the wind ripped through the night

Wind ripped through the night

 

Hear the Sky - Click to Play 

Hear the sky talking thunder

See the water from down under

Drink the air like warm brandy

Eat the future like cotton candy

 

Treat the trees like your brothers

Loan your wings to many others

Sometimes submit give up your control

Remember lightening runs our souls

 

Hear the music in your silence

Discover weakness in your violence

Examine everything with closed eyes

And know the truth may sometimes appear as lies

 

Hear the sky talking thunder

Moody Sky - Click to Play 

Going down a gravel road scaring up the roosters

Ooo ooo love to watch them fly

Rain fighting with the rainbow

Red light at the river

Ooo under a moody sky

Ooo under a moody sky

 

Like a woman crying for mama

Cause her man is gone and restless

Ooo ooo it's a mournful cry

 

Time don't stop for nothing

Coyotes watch it all

Ooo under a moody sky

Ooo under a moody sky

 

I'm a child of windstorms

I drink the rain

Ooo ooo let it cry

 

When they flood this river they bury the towns

Ooo under a moody sky

Under a moody sky

 

Going down a gravel road scaring up them roosters

Ooo ooo I love to watch them fly

Ooo under a moody sky

Ooo under a moody sky

Sweet Kiss - Click to Play 

Gimme that sweet kiss

That I'm gonna miss

That's wet and warm

Like a log cabin in a snowstorm

 

Let's have some red wine

Take our sweet time

Let the fires steam this place

Feel it red hot on your face

 

We don't have forever

But I will never

Forget the light

In your eyes tonight

 

Gimme that sweet kiss

That I'm gonna miss

That's wet and warm

Like a log cabin in a snowstorm

 

Gimme that sweet kiss

That I'm gonna miss

Gimme that sweet kiss

That I'm gonna miss

Keep Your Soul Strong - Click to Play 

Count all the baby curls and the white snowflakes

Have a small puppy, do whatever it takes

Taste it like ice cream or smell it like the rain

Hold it so tightly you cry out in pain

 

Whatever you do, live life hard

Play like you’ll always draw the winning card

Love long and never quit

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

Don’t settle for walking if you want to run

Stand up to a bully if it needs to be done

Remember the fallen and play hard for your teams

Climb all your mountains and echo all your dreams

 

Whatever you do, live life hard

Play like you’ll always draw a winning card

Love long and never quit

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

Keep your soul strong, that’s most all of it

 

He Rode With Me - Click to Play 

We were ridin' into Deadwood

The sun was comin' over the hill

We'd been ridin' all night

We'd only made it home on God's will

I said Frank this was crazy

Why do you reckon we are the way we are?

Next thing I knew a deer ran in front of us

We was headed straight to ditch in that speeding car

 

He rode with me

He rode with me

Frank rode with me

He rode with me

He rode with me

Frank rode with me

 

He had a way of livin' like each day of life might be his last

When you're movin' like that you're young don't even know you're runnin' fast

 

He rode with me

He rode with me

Frank rode with me

He rode with me

He rode with me

Frank rode with me

 

Now I've picked up the paper and black and white says he's moved on

I imagine a night of pitch-black darkness him cussin' the approachin' dawn

But I remember ridin' into Deadwood sun coming up on the day

Now when the Lord comes callin' for me you know I just want Him to say

 

He rode with me

He rode with me

Dan rode with me

He rode with me

He rode with me

Dan rode with me

He rode with me

He rode with me

Dan rode with me

Wing and a Prayer - Click to Play 

There's frost on the windowpanes

Snow blowin' under the door

It's the second week in April

Shouldn't be winter anymore

My little bro's talkin' desperate

Like he's gonna take out a bank

I understand where he's comin' from

Four-dollar fuel in his tank

 

We're tryin' to fly around here

On a wing and prayer

 

My sweetheart is limpin'

Oh she's got a bad wheel

Got to go to six different appointments

It's a medical referral deal

Got two kids in college

Thank God they're both tough

Like to give them some spending money

But around here there just ain't enough

 

We're tryin' to fly around here

On a wing and a prayer

We're just tryin' to fly around here

On a wing and a prayer

Black Limousine - Click to Play 

I had a little breakdown

I tossed the blues around

I should have left this town

A long time ago

Like train-flattened penny

Hell I was one of many

It quit being funny

A long time ago

 

Last night I fell out of a dream

Well I was ridin' in a big black limousine

I can't tell you now how good I feel

Well Jesus was right behind the wheel

 

A circle is a funny fate

Life don't go straight

Things you've grown to hate

Come back around

I'm a cowboy stony

I ride a Shetland pony

I'm feelin' kinda phony

This time around

 

But last night I fell out of a dream

I was ridin' in a big black limousine

I can't tell you now how good I feel

You see Jesus was right behind the wheel

Jesus was right behind the wheel

Jesus was right behind the wheel

Tax Day - Click to Play 

Well have your palms read

Send a check to the Fed

It's Tax Day

It's April 15

The American Bad Dream

It's Tax Day

 

One percent of this country owns 99% of its assets

Them bastards only pay 20% of the bill

The poor working class pays 80% of the taxes

Send it like peasants to the kings up on capital hill

 

So have your palms read

Send a check to the Fed

Hey it's Tax Day

It is April 15

The American Bad Dream

It's Tax Day

Pay the man or you'll end in the can

It's Tax Day

 

It's April 15

The American Bad Dream
It's Tax Day

 

Oh have your palms read

Send a check to the Fed

Hey it's Tax Day

The American Bad Dream

It's Tax Day

Well pay the man or you'll end in the can

It's Tax Day

American Dream

April 15

It's Tax Day

 

Hey man that's them callin' now

Get your damn return in

Deadwood +100 Years - Click to Play 

Fat boy I forget he used to drive a red Corvette

But I think he wanted to be a biker

Cowboy's car was stole

My fault I suppose

'Cause I picked up a hitchhiker

 

Decent Darrel cookin' dogs

The Sturgis boys are ridin' hogs

Back there across from the Cripple Creek

Law man layin' low

Frankie I. doin' blow

Pine sawdust coverin' the marijuana reek

 

Christmas time a baby boy

Frank Bloom's pride and joy

When mama makes her run goin' back East

A gold tooth in his mouth

Boone's been drivin' South

Air shocks draggin' in the Lincoln Continental beast

 

Well bachelors with dirty clothes

The houses are really closed

So them boys sleep up in The White Door

Miner contracts gettin' weak

Music six days a week

Blood in the sawdust on the floor

 

Barrels are stowed and old blackjack tables do unfold

But who the hell called in the DCI

And a barn full of pretty green

The law boys are gettin' mean

Both Grandma Joans start to cry

 

A shotgun rendezvous

What's a runnin' back gonna do

Mom and the boy stay at the doctor's house

Two weeks in a bed, medicine to leave you dead

Golden boy's headin' for the Big House

 

That's Deadwood 100 years later

After the big Gold Rush

 

Well a fat boy I forget he used to drive a red Corvette

I think he wanted to be a biker

A fat boy I forget he used to drive a red Corvette

But I think he wanted to be a biker

Pine Ridge Blues - Click to Play 

Said I ain't goin' back to Pine Ridge

Ain't goin' back there anymore

 

I ain't goin' back to Pine Ridge

Ain't goin' back there anymore

Tired of seein' my uncle outside that old Whiteclay liquor store

I got the Shannon County South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation blues

 

Said I'm praying down on Wounded Knee

Ridin' a horse to Manderson

Well I'm praying down on Wounded Knee

Ridin' my horse to Manderson

 

Well I'm headin' back up to the Badlands

For a three-day fast under the sun

I got the Pine Ridge Shannon County South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation blues

 

He said west of Oglala

Red moon cries out to me

Said west of Oglala

Red moon cries out to me

Gonna ride like Crazy Horse on a western wind

Runnin' free

 

I got the Shannon County South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation blues

Wanna run like Crazy Horse on a western wind

Ridin' free

I got the Pine Ridge Reservation South Dakota Shannon County Pine Ridge blues

I got the Shannon County South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation blues

 

I'm gonna run like Crazy Horse on a western wind

Ridin' free

 

I got the Shannon County South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation blues

Tomcat Chase - Click to Play 

Swing set swinging in the park

Violins after dark

Parade of life has some clowns

Pull smiles from sad frowns

 

Walk on your hands if your feet are sore

Ignore strange looks from next door

Cottonwoods will share their wind

And bring the song to you again

 

Rabbits do not go to sleep

When there are grapes to eat

Moonlight shadows in their face

Old tomcats that give no chase

 

The moonlight shadows in their face

Old tomcats that give no chase

Ft. Pierre Blues - Click to Play 

We lived down a dead-end street

Pink liquor store was 100 feet

From our front door

From our front door

 

Hop, skip and jump away

The Hopscotch stage seemed like play

Small dance floor through the back door

 

Boys will be boys

Pretty girls looked like toys at that age

On that small stage

On that small stage

 

We went down to the Silver Spur

All I could do was think of her

We were shining boots

Outside an old front door

 

We went back to see the go-go dancer

She provided one more answer

Of what it was we weren’t lookin’ for

 

Boys will be boys

Pretty girls looked like toys at that age

On that small stage

On that small stage

 

We loved them go-go dancers

They provided one more answer

Of what it was we weren’t lookin’ for

 

Save the World - Click to Play 

What would you do if you ran this thing

Could you stop the war machine

Would you slow down all the greed

Separate wanton gluttony from the need

We can save the world

We can save the world

We can save the world

We’ve got to try

We’ve gotta try

 

Could you convince them that wind might be the key

Teach corporation how to plant a tree

Can we capture lightening and make it run a car

Or bottle the heat that comes from our star

 

We can change the world

We can change the world

We can change the world

We’ve got to try

We’ve gotta try

 

We can save the world

We can save the world

We can save the world

We’ve got to try

We’ve got to try

Got to try

 

Valentine - Click to Play 

Oh valentine

I see you comin’ home

Oh valentine

You see me all alone

Birds have flown

To the other shore

Valentine

I can’t fly anymore

 

Oh valentine

I found your name

I know you hide

From your fame

It hurts my eyes

To see your shine

Oh valentine

I wish that you were mine

Oh valentine

 

The Best Cowboy for Her - Click to Play 

Black dog is sneakin’ along

Up Adams Street

Tired waitress just off shift

Sits rubbin’ her feet

She’s waitin’ for someone

Who makes her smile

He’s the best cowboy

She’s had for a while

 

She’d like to ride off into the sunset

He might be the closest she’ll ever get

Time don’t wait on no one

That’s a big for sure

He might be the best cowboy for her

 

He’s a broken bull rider

He talks awful sweet

He can’t dance for nothin’

He’s got two left feet

She sachets to his pickup

As he opens the door

She knows he’s a good cowboy

She’s had them before

 

She’d like to ride off into the sunset

He might be the closest she’ll ever get

Time don’t wait on no one

That’s a big for sure

He might be the best cowboy for her

He might be the best cowboy for her

 

Angels Fly With The Blue Jays – Click to Play 

Angels fly with the blue jays and the woodpeckers too

You might not believe that but it’s my point of view

I see ‘em in the swirling leaves and I feel ‘em in the wind

I’m gonna ride with ‘em when my journey’s at its end

My journey’s at its end

 

Angels fly with the hummingbirds and the finches red and yellow

You might not believe that but I’m a fair-minded fellow

I hear ‘em in the wind chimes talkin’ like they’re friends

I’m gonna ride with ‘em when my journey’s at its end

My journey’s at its end

 

Angels fly with the winter sparrows scratching in the snow

You might not believe that but it’s something that I know

Blizzard winds are blowin’ hard up around the bend

I’m gonna ride with ‘em when my journey’s at its end

My journey’s at its end

 

Angels fly with the blue jays and the gray woodpeckers too

You might not believe that but that’s my point of view

That’s my point of view 

 

Yellow Light Click to Play 

There’s a yellow light

Soft on my eyes

I can trust the warmth

To separate the lies

 

I can ride the past

Like a friendly horse

I’ll let the wind

Mark my course

 

I’ll tell you now

I’m ridin’ with that light

I’ll tell you now

I’m ridin’ with that light

 

There’s a yellow light

Cryin’ behind my eyes

I trust the warmth

To separate the lies

 

I ride that past

Like a friendly horse

The North wind

Marks my course

 

I tell you now

I’m ridin’ in that light

I’ll tell you now

I’m ridin’ with that light

 

Campfire King Click to Play 

At sundown cowboys gathered ‘round the campfire

He’d play guitar and sing out to the coyotes and the moon

In late June the river was so beautiful and no one knew

He cried to the moon the night before

Furthermore the coyotes were mostly female

And enjoyed the singin’ into the night

And the site of the coyotes on the ridgeline

Warmed the cowboys below

And the coyotes howled low to the singin’ cowboys below

And the campfire king never played a proper song too long

Cowboys sung off key mostly all the time

Didn’t worry about meter or rhyme

They just sang with the campfire king

They sang with the campfire king

They sang out with the campfire king with the coyotes

Mostly female

That’s the end of this tale

 

Little Big Horn Click to Play 

I’m tryin’ to recall

If I took a fall

On this old battlefield

I’ve been here before

But I have no final score

From this old battlefield

 

I’m heavy in the chest

I should be headed west

From this old battlefield

Clouds are dark and low

When they’re bringin’ in the snow

From this old battlefield

 

There’s a white granite stone

I fear that I may have gone

With my Calvary blue

My years were few

Beyond the greasy grass

I saw my spirit pass

On this old battlefield

Little Big Horn

 

I’m tryin’ to recall if I took a fall

On this old battlefield

 

The Lost Juan Click to Play 

You found your wings

Flyin’ to the ground

Me and those hardhat boys

Just stood around

 

And you were back in Mexico

Before you hit the dirt

They found a lanyard for your safety harness

Hung it on the back of your shirt

 

Your brother screamed

He made the sign of the cross

The deputy sheriff

Was talking softly to your boss

 

You go back to Mexico

Before OSHA closed their eyes

Three children down south

Wonderin’ why their daddy died

 

We learned your name

After you were gone

You were twenty-eight

And se llamo was Juan

 

You were back in Mexico

No one, no card of green

No workman’s comp

No American dream

 

And Chris said one life is too many

And Captain Ron said it’s damn sure plenty

And you were back in Mexico

We’re drinkin’ US beer

 

Thinkin’ of some words

To put inside of here

 

You found your wings

Flyin’ to the ground

Me and those hardhat boys

Just stood around

 

You were back in Mexico

Before you hit the dirt

 

Low Nest Click to Play 

She’s sunny and yellow

I’m cloudy and mellow tonight

Everything she says is something

I think nothing is nothing tonight

 

I don’t know the answer to simple questions

I don’t want to offer suggestions

I’m just flyin’ now from my low nest

On an empty tree

 

She wants to exercise

While I de-mystify my life

And she’s going off to bed

I’m asleep in my head

That’s my life

 

I don’t know the answer to simple questions

I don’t want to offer suggestions

I’m just flyin’ now from my low nest

On an empty tree

 

I don’t know the answer to simple questions

I don’t want to offer suggestions

I’m just flyin’ now from my low nest

On an empty tree

 

I Found You Click to Play 

Once I was all alone

Rolling down a rainy road

Then I found you

Then I found you

 

Took me out of the rain

Dried away my pain

When I found you

When I found you

 

Now I’m no lucky guy

But the clouds cleared from the sky

When I found you

When I found you

 

Now I had no room to think

I was drownin’ in my drink

Then I found you

Then I found you

 

Now I see the stars

You pulled me from them bars

When I found you

When I found you

 

Now I’m no lucky guy

But the clouds cleared from the sky

When I found you

When I found you

 

Once I was all alone

I was running down a rainy road

Then I found you

Then I found you

 

Undiscovered Friend Click to Play 

When you find your brother hurtin’

Behind his velvet curtain

And you can smell his flowers

In the shade of wind towers

 

Then you’re ridin in the breeze

You’re cutting in the wind

You’re tryin to learn the name

Of an undiscovered friend

 

The grease of the machine

It smells like bloody dirt

Mothers never heal

From where their babies hurt

And papas just don’t cry

Unless they’re full of juice

And you’ve been running mean now

Straight to the hangman’s noose

 

And you’re ridin’ in the breeze

You’re cutting in the wind

You’re tryin to learn the name

Of an undiscovered friend

 

You’re ridin’ in the breeze

You’re cutting in the wind

You’re tryin to learn the name

Of an undiscovered friend

 

Blacksmith’s Heart Click to Play 

It’s beating strong

Feeling fine

It’s comin’ on long

Down the line

Blacksmith’s heart

From the start

It’s beatin’ overtime

It’s beatin’ overtime

 

Dims my eyes

Makes them blur

Give my goodbyes forever to her

Blacksmith’s heart

From the start

There’s no cure

There ain’t no cure

 

Send my soul

From whence it came

Lost control of my good name

Blacksmith heart

From the start

Always game

Always game

 

My blind heart

Now can see

Can’t restart what’s meant to be

Blacksmith’s heart

From the start

It’s what’s meant to be

It’s what’s meant to be

 

It’s beating strong

It’s feeling fine

It’s comin’ on along

Down the line

Blacksmith’s heart

From the start

It’s beatin’ overtime

Beatin’ overtime

 

Those Mountains Click to Play 

Behold those mountains in the distance

Fingers of stone touch the sky

Open up the color inside of your memories

Shows the desperation in your eyes

 

Behold those mountains in the distance

Your descent is as sure as the fallen stone

Taste the truth it smells like pine trees

And remember no one dies alone

 

Behold those mountains in the distance

Passes filled with ice and snow

Warm springs will someday journey over

To carry you beyond things you know

 

Behold those mountains in the distance

They stand like you to prove they are

Your stay here is just a disguise

You’re a dream from a distant star

You’re a dream from a distant star

 

Behold those mountains in the distance

Behold them mountains in the distance

Behold them mountains in the distance

 

Rainin’ in the Heart Click to Play 

You don’t seem to know what side of the road you’re walkin’ on

I like to listen to a good bullshitter so please carry on

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Sometimes we all fall apart

Especially when it’s rainin’ in your heart

 

Can’t change the future cryin’ about the past

The day you figure life out, man might be your last

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Sometimes we all fall apart

Well especially when it’s rainin’ in your heart

 

I still talk in nursery rhymes

I’m a weatherman all the time

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Is it rainin’ in your heart

Sometimes we all fall apart

Especially when it’s rainin’ in your heart

 

Is it rainin’ in your heart

 

Somebody Find My Boat Click to Play  

I wish somebody would find my boat

The Big Skipper he took it out for a float

I really ain’t in any really big hurry

I figure it’s somewhere down the muddy Missouri

I wish somebody would find my boat

 

Too thin to plow too wet to plant, yes it’s too wet to plant

They say they can control it but they can’t

I wish somebody would find my boat

The Big Skipper he took it out for a float

Hey I ain’t really in any big hurry

I know it’s somewhere, somewhere down that muddy Missouri

But I wish somebody would find my boat

 

It may be down close to Akaska

For all I know it blew up clear to Alaska

Well I wish somebody would find my boat

The Big Skipper he took it out for a float

I really ain’t in that big a hurry

But it’s somewhere, somewhere down that muddy Missouri

I wish somebody would find my boat

I wish somebody would find my boat

I wish somebody would find my boat

I wish somebody, somebody please find my boat

When You're Young Click to Play   

Children say the world’s on fire

We try lamely to explain

We hide the truth, save the tears

Tell ‘em fairy tales as it rains

‘Cause that’s the way it goes when you’re young

That’s the way that it goes

That’s the way it goes when you’re young

Oh that’s the way that it goes

 

Crooked men beg for peace

While they sell our to children out to war

Send them home in wheelchairs and caskets

Hang a cross and a flag on their door

That’s the way it goes when you’re young

That’s the way it goes

That’s the way it goes when you’re young

That’s the way it goes

The Lost Star Click to Play  

We hear you talking, walking in the wind

Planning to travel far

Watch the night sky searching for your friends

On the lost star

On the lost star

 

It’s hidden somewhere right before our eyes

Do we know what light and color are?

Angel hairs stand up against all lies

On the lost star

On the lost star

 

We’re a tiny speck favored by the sun

Yeah we depend on that star

So tell me true will I ever find you

On the lost star

On the lost star

 

On the lost star

 

This Place Knows My Face Click to Play  

I hope you make it home tonight

But I don’t know if you will

The clouds are filling up with rain

And I know they’re going to spill

You've been known to frequent the dark side of this town

There’s a woman that laughs at you

When you are falling down

 

But this place knows your face

And it smiles at you in the rain

This place it knows your face

And it cries with you in the rain

 

You’ve been known to frequent the dark side of this town

There’s them that laugh at you when you are falling down

But this place knows your face

And it smiles at you in the rain

This place it knows your face

And it cries with you in the rain

 

But this place it knows your face

And it cries with you in the rain

But this face knows your place

And it smiles at you in your pain

 

This place it knows your face

And it laughs at you in the rain

 

Damn You Tornado Click to Play  

Clouds of ice have delivered their children in a tornado

Frightened mice beneath the battered corn – they know where to go

The sun has now returned or even comin’ back around

There’s dark shadows between the remains of this town

Damn you tornado

Damn you for your work

 

Downed water tower don’t read the Class of 77 anymore

Lights left without the power

They took some souls to Heaven

Well the sun has not returned or comin’ back around

There’s dark shadows between the remnants of a town

Damn you tornado

Damn you for your work

Damn you tornado

Damn you for your work

 

Merry-Go-Round Click to Play  

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

It was sitting in the middle of the intersection downtown

Sitting in the middle of an intersection downtown

 

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

And it's sitting downtown at the intersection of First and Main

Plastic yellow daisies are twisted in its frame

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

 

Well the merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

The merry-go-round went around and around and around all night long

 

Run Out of Range Click to Play  

There you go you emptied out your pockets

That laundered feelin' it comes along

You line up and you stare down the sunset

Selling out for a song

It don’t seem like it’s so sweet

It’s just something that you do

All those feelings that you try to rearrange

Your favorite color is still blue

Don’t tell me it’s all over

Don’t tell me that you’ve changed

Don’t tell me it’s all over

You’re just a funny thing that's

Running out of range

I Can Still Ride Click to Play  

I don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But I can still ride

Your angry words won’t find refuge in my ears

 I got a tough hide

 

Pop culture is a language we don’t speak

We got sounds of our own

Them pretty people on their losin' streaks

Are sharing secrets by cell phones

 

I’d say I’m righteous I can’t say you’re wrong

Anxiety don’t cook my goose

I travel slow roads with a beautiful lady

Man I try to hang loose

Man he tries to hang loose

 

I don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But I can still ride

I don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But I can still ride

I don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But I can still ride

He don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But he can still ride

He don’t sparkle like a rhinestone cowboy

But he can still ride

 

19 In A County Jail Click to Play  

Worry and loneliness

Crimes that you can’t confess

Mostly perpetrated on yourself

Mail don’t deliver

You can’t forgive her

Leavin' you  here talking to yourself

 

There’s a light through the cell door

It ain’t nothin’ more

Than a Black janitor slopping ‘round a pail

It’s a bad, bad dream when you’re 19

Wasting away in a county jail

 

Well the stale air don’t circulate

Bad food that smells like hate

Mostly all you want to do is sleep

When you dream sweet ladies

It's shattered completely

Slamming cell door dreams you can’t keep

 

There’s a light through the cell door

But it ain’t nothin’ more

Than a Black janitor slopping ‘round a pail

It’s a bad, bad dream when you’re 19

Wasting away in a county jail

 

There’s a light through the cell door

But you’re praying that it’s somethin’ more

Than a Black janitor slopping ‘round a pail

You’d like to dream a sweet dream when you’re 19

Wasting away in a county jail

 

Under the Cottonwood Trees Click to Play  

There’s only one place for you and me

Parked out underneath them cottonwood trees

Layin' back and keepin' easy time

Waitin’ for that moon to shine

We’ve been down this road before

Slept all night on that river shore

The mighty MO rocked us to sleep

We gave that river our souls to keep

 

Sacagawea can you hear our song

Bless two lovers, let their hearts be strong

There’s only one place for you and me

Parked out underneath them cottonwood trees

The mighty MO rocked us to sleep

We gave that river our souls to keep

 

That's My Girl Click to Play  

That’s my girl

She’s a funny girl

Well she really makes me smile

That’s my girl

She’s a sweet girl

She laughs like a sweet baby child

Laughs like a sweet baby child

 

That’s my girl

She’s a rockin’ girl

She rocks me when I’m down

That’s my girl

She’s a rockin’ girl

Keeps me from burnin’ down this town

She keeps me from burnin’ down this town

 

That’s my girl

Real girl

Looks better than in them magazines

That’s my girl

Real girl

I like the wiggle in her jeans

I like the wiggle in her jeans

 

That’s my girl

She’s a tough girl

She’s tough enough for me

Well that’s my girl

She’s a tough girl

So I say thank you and pretty please

I say thank you and pretty please

 

That’s my girl

 

 

Find Me - Click to Play 

We were strong, we were young

How do you guess those things to come

I picked fruit off of your tree

I sang you all of my poetry

 

And now it seems like I’m livin’ in a dream

I get lost some of the time

But find me

Please remind me

Cause I get lost some of the time

 

I hear the sound of your dress in the breeze

Way back by the lake

The sugar’s on your breath and it’s warm in my ears

Since the night we cut the cake

 

Now sometimes it seems like I’m livin’ in a dream

I get lost some of the time

But please find me

And remind me

I get lost some of the time

 

Cause I get lost some of the time

Please find me

And remind me

 

Hey Little Girl - Click to Play 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

Sunshine smiles there’s no lyin’

As rose petals fall to your ground

 

Eternal love is in your love song

Family is combing your hair

A fine young man is dancing along

He’s following your music there

 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

 

A star is following you across the sky

It’s shining upon your grace

One true love is all you get in this life

On Earth or out in space

 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

 

Hey little girl you’d be flyin’

If it wasn’t for gravity holdin’ you down

 

Would if I Could - Click to Play 

Sad phone call at 3 a.m.

Split my night

He said Dad have you heard this song

I play it when things ain’t right

I play it when things ain’t right

 

Sounds like someone we knew

Man I’d punch him if I could

Seems I can’t control anything

I know I would if I could

I know I would if I could

 

Don’t tell Mom I was crying

Some nights it’s hard to see in the dark

I’ve been flying on a swing set

In the dark down at the park

In the dark down at the park

 

What I’d give for ten minutes

You can’t stretch between the stars

It’s like the Irish and good soldiers

It’s the stars out of the bars

It’s the stars out of the bars

 

Dad I love you and I’m gonna be alright

Them old songs just rock me good

Sometimes I just like to forget

But I don’t know if I would if I could

I don’t know if I would if I could

Don’t know if I would if I could

Don’t know if I would if I could

Don’t know if I would if I could

Don’t know if I would if I could

 

Trucker's Chapel - Click to Play 

I’m prayin’ for forgiveness

Out here on the road

Fightin’ off the loneliness

It is such a heavy load

 

You’re in a trucker’s chapel

You’re stained as the glass

It sheds colored light

On the misery rollin' past

 

Head winds and the rain

Man they scream across the prairie

Poor little farm towns

Leadin’ to the dirty city

Seems old Mexico has moved up North

Hard workin’ families

With trouble pourin' forth

 

Hear your cousin lost a brother

In the oil wars

All the talkin’ heads

They’re just lyin’ anymore

Hey this country’s goin’ broke

It’s been raided by the rich

Yer tryin' to keep your rig from runnin’ in the ditch

 

If you ran any faster, Lord you’d be flyin’

You'll pray for wings when you get around to dyin’

You’re in a trucker’s chapel

You’re stained as the glass

So you beg your trucker angel

To give you one more pass

 

Ain't Goin' Back Home - Click to Play 

I was sitting in a trucker’s chapel

He started tellin’ this tale

Said I got a new ID

The company holds my mail

 

I  left out on a dark day

And I ain’t goin’ back home

A good girl begged me to stay

But I ain’t goin’ back home

 

Well I left with damn good reasons

But it don’t seem like that now

I make it through the seasons

With the sweat off my brow

 

I picked all kinds of fruit and onions

Been the deckhand on a fishing scoul

I’m like an old dog with bad teeth

Chewin on a bone

And I ain’t goin’ home

 

The law was tryin’ to own me so I ain’t goin’ back home

I’m not property so I ain’t goin’ back home

 

Been tequila drunk and Mexican blind

I’m not a child in New Laredo

I ain’t goin’ back home

 

Well I left with damn good reasons

But it don’t seem like that now

I make it through the seasons

With the sweat off my brow

 

I picked all kinds of fruit and onions

Been the deckhand on a fishing scoul

I’m like an old dog with bad teeth

Chewin on a bone

 

And I ain’t goin’ home

My truck’s my home

 

Like Spring Rain - Click to Play 

I see your face at a place in the sun

Somewhere where your soul can run

Your skin is warm

Your breath is sweet

There’s no shoes on your feet

And you can forget your tears like a spring rain

 

I know a secret I found in your eyes

It rings in your dreams like sweet lullabies

And you can forget your tears like a spring rain

 

There will be fruit heavy on your trees

The sun will warm all your memories

And you can forget your tears like a spring rain

And you can forget your tears like a spring rain

 

Inside a Photograph - Click to Play 

Trapped inside a photograph

That’s developed in my mind

There’s a lilac and a lady

Prettiest things this cowboy could ever find

 

It’s always April

And the new grass is soft on our feet

You were a blushing bride

And a mother with child

That smelled so sweet

Mother with child

That smelled so sweet

 

Well trapped inside a photograph

Smiles are frozen in time

While the clothing is vintage

I can still taste the wedding wine

 

And it’s always April

New grass is soft on our feet

And a mother with child

That smelled so sweet

Mother with child

You smelled so sweet

 

Well trapped inside a photograph

There’s an image in my mind

 

Family - Click to Play 

There’s a great wrestler

A great debater

And a pretty smart homecoming queen

 

They’re all a part of me and their mother

And some things in between

Take a look; take a look

They’re in the good Lord’s book

Hooked in our minds for all times

Family

 

House Lights Yellow - Click to Play 

The snow is coming and the wind is blowing

You can hear it howlin’ through the trees

Ya keep the fire hot and you stay inside

When the snow is past your knees

 

House lights are yellow on the snow

As I walk outside and hear the north wind blow

 

The snow is coming and the wind is blowing

You can hear it howlin’ through the trees

Ya keep the fire hot and you stay inside

When the snow is past your knees

 

House lights are yellow on the snow

As I walk outside and hear the north wind blow

 

The snow is coming and the wind is blowing

You can hear it howlin’ through the trees

Ya keep the fire hot and you stay inside

When the snow is past your knees

 

Easy Blessings - Click to Play  

Spring is right around the corner

One last snow in this go ‘round

Wind chimes are singin’ and a dancin’

‘bout a blizzard blowin’ in at sundown

 

I thought I’d walk along the willows

And move my shadow through the trees

An’ count all my easy blessings

An’ scout out a rabbit from my knees

 

It’s easy to imagine

As I move my shadow through the trees

An’ count all my easy blessings

That you are right here with me

 

It’s easy to imagine

As I move my shadow through the trees

An’ count all my easy blessings

That you are right here with me

 

It was easy to imagine

As I move my shadow through the trees

And I count all my easy blessings

That you are right here with me

 

Sky Turned Red - Click to Play 

When the sky turned red

Did your mama tell you some nursery rhymes

When the sky turned red

Did you sing with Bobby of changing times

 

When the sky turned red

Did you hear Martin Luther and JFK

When the sky turned red

Did you hear Eisenhower warn of the CIA

 

Do you sing freedom songs under your breath

As the war on terror scares you half to death

 

When the sky turned red

Did we kill each other on television

When the sky turned red

Did you imagine there was no religion

 

Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey - Click to Play 

Hey, hey, hey baby, I’m alright

Tonight, golden apologies

Tarnished memories

Make me stop to find the light

 

Lovers in the morning

They disregard all warning

They don’t stop to find the light

 

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I’m alright tonight

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey I’m alright tonight

My orphan heart misses

Those orange banana kisses

And I stop to find the light

 

Well she could’ve been a dancer

Her eyes shine out the answer

And I stopped to find the light

 

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I’m alright tonight

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey I’m alright tonight

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, I’m alright tonight

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey I’m alright tonight

 

No Johnsonville - Click to Play

There’s a crazy man screamin outta here

On sleepless nights and full of beer

There ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

In your sleep there is no rain

Out west there’s no corn or grain

Ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

Tell me you’re on hallowed ground

But the Big Muddy’s goin’ down

Who the hell’s gonna float your boat

He’s turning green at the Palace Lounge

Somebody get him outta town

Ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

Sitting Bull hears your prayers

But he ain’t moved by yellow hairs

And there ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

In a covered wagon or a covered grave

In the 7th Cavalry or a warrior brave

There ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

Tell me you’re on hallowed ground

But the Big Muddy’s goin’ down

Who the hell’s gonna float your boat

 He’s turning green at the Palace Lounge

Somebody get him outta town

Ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

Tears are fallin in his sleep

Big muddy ain’t getting deep

Ain’t no way to get him back to Johnsonville

 

Slow Children - Click to Play

Waitin for the day to pass

Ain’t goin nowhere I’m out of gas

Don’t want to hear of war today

Slow children  at play

 

If I had a dollar bill

I’d run on up the hill

Have me a drink today

Slow children at play

 

I’ll take off my workin’ cap

Grab my girl and take a nap

We might roll in the hay

Slow children at play

 

Let’s plan a jig and shake a dance

Moonlight gives us a chance

To laugh all our cares away

Slow children at play

 

Glide and me we got the groove

We don’t hardly have to move

Smoke a ham or smoke a jay

Slow children at play

 

Mi and Chuck are cookin’ in

It’s cold outside but warm within

Let the chips fall where they may

Slow children at play

 

Waitin for the day to pass

Ain’t goin nowhere I’m out of gas

Don’t want to hear of war today

Slow children  at play

 

Waitin for the day to pass

Ain’t goin nowhere I’m out of gas

Don’t want to hear of war today

Slow children  at play

 

Bluebird Offer - Click to Play

Break the door and take me on down the road

I’m broken now so take me on down the road

The bluebird offered up his wings

I understand him now when he sings

Break the door and take me on down the road

I’m broken now so take me on down the road

 

On a Japanese guitar I bought down in Omaha

I wrote me a song that got me out of Omaha

The bluebird offered up his wings

I understand him now when he sings

On a Japanese guitar I bought down in Omaha

I wrote me a song that got me out of Omaha

 

So break the door and take me on down the road

I’m broken now so take me on down the road

 

Jesus’ Promise - Click to Play

When a rose drops its petals

And they fall to the ground

They change and become one with the earth

But they’re still around

 

I know that you think of me

When you come to this place

Feel the wind and touch the grass

As if it were my face

 

I was there when your mama cried

Callin’ out your name

And I was there when your daddy tried

To cheer you through a losing game

I’ll be there in the evening air

When you’re thinking about me

I’ll be there

I’ll be there

I’ll be there in the evening air

When you’re thinking about me

 

So let your tears mix with the rain

There’s nothin’ wrong with that

Don’t cuss the clouds or the wind

Remember where I’m at

 

I was there when your mama cried

Callin’ out your name

And I was there when your daddy tried

To cheer you through a losing game

I’ll be there in the evening air

When you’re thinking about me

I’ll be there

Oh I’ll be there

You know I’ll be there in the evening air

When you’re thinking about me

 

An Early Grave - Click to Play

The simple life belongs to the young

When the sweet songs roll off your tongue

Don’t it seem all the good, fearless and brave

All end up in an early grave

 

I swim at the river and I swim alone

My thoughts and prayers are smooth and hard as stone

Don’t it seem all the good, fearless and brave

All end up in an early grave

 

I’m as hard as an old oak tree

The bark and the leaves are fallin’ off of me

Don’t it seem all the good, fearless and brave

All end up in an early grave

 

Barbwire Heart - Click to Play

There’s barbwire around your heart

You’re pushin’ us so far apart

I can’t find my way back to you

 

Times can change when you cannot

Some forget but I will not

Even if I can’t find my way back to you

 

Let the world know I was your man

Even if they don’t understand why I left you

 

Let the world know I was your man

Even if they can’t understand why I left you

 

There’s barbwire around your heart

You’re pushin’ us so far apart

I can’t find my way back to you

 

Troubadour - Click to Play

Troubadour I heard you’re headed for the sea

Troubadour is there a place out there for me

Troubadour, Troubadour you sing of love and war

 

Troubadour is there Irish in your veins

I’m native blood can I ride with you across the plains

Troubadour, Troubadour do you sing of home any more

 

Troubadour was your true love left behind

Do sad songs bring her to your mind

Troubadour, Troubadour you’re headed for a distant shore

 

Troubadour do you sometimes sing off key

Troubadour it’s the same thing for me

 

That’s Love - Click to Play

Unpredictable you can’t guess which way it runs

Invisible like mist in the morning sun

Irresistible like the best thing you ever ate

Unbelievable it comes so close to hate

 

That’s love

That’s love

That’s love

That’s love

 

It’s unattainable the stars are sometimes as near

Unquenchable can’t feed it or soak it in beer

But desirable if it flames try to stand clear

Unbreakable that’s the way we talk around here

 

That’s love