Ballad of Hollis Brown
Hollis BrownHe lived on the outside of townHollis BrownHe lived on the outside of townWith his wife and five childrenAnd his cabin brokin' down.
You looked for work and moneyAnd you walked a rugged mileYou looked for work and moneyAnd you walked a rugged mileYour children are so hungryThat they don't know how to smile.
Your baby's eyes look crazyThey're a-tuggin' at your sleeveYour baby's eyes look crazyThey're a-tuggin' at your sleeveYou walk the floor and wonder whyWith every breath you breathe.
The rats have got your flourBad blood it got your mareThe rats have got your flourBad blood it got your mareIf there's anyone that knowsIs there anyone that cares ?
You prayed to the Lord aboveOh please send you a friendYou prayed to the Lord aboveOh please send you a friendYour empty pocket tell youThat you ain't a-got no friend.
Your babies are crying louder nowIt's pounding on your brainYour babies are crying louder nowIt's pounding on your brainYour wife's screams are stabbin' youLike the dirty drivin' rain.
Your grass is turning blackThere's no water in your wellYour grass is turning blackThere's no water in your wellYour spent your last lone dollarOn seven shotgun shels.
Way out in the wildernessA cold coyote callsWay out in the wildernessA cold coyote callsYour eyes fix on the shortgunThat's hangin' on the wall.
Your brain is a-bleedin'And your legs can't seem to standYour brain is a-bleedin'And your legs can't seem to standYour eyes fix on the shortgunThat you're holdin' in your hand.
There's seven breezes a-blowin'All around the cabin doorThere's seven breezes a-blowin'All around the cabin doorSeven shots ring outLike the ocean's pounding roar.
There's seven people deadOn a south Dakota farmThere's seven people deadOn a south Dakota farmSomewhere in the distanceThere's seven new people born.