The Ballad Of Hollis Brown
Hollis Brown he livedOn the outside of townHollis Brown he livedOn the outside of townWith his wife and five childrenIn his cabin broken down
He looked for work and money,And he walked a ragged mile.He looked for work and money,And he walked a ragged mile.Your children are so hungryThat they don't know how to smile
Your baby's eyes look crazyAnd they're tuggin' at your sleeveYour baby's eyes look crazyAnd they're tuggin' at your sleeveYou walk the floor and you 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 mareIs there anyone that knowsIs there anyone that cares
You prayed to the Lord aboveTo please send you a friendYou prayed to the Lord aboveTo please send you a friendYour empty pockets tell youThat you ain't got no friend
Your baby's a cryin' louder nowIt's poundin' on your brainYour baby's a cryin' louder nowIt's poundin' on your brainYour wife's screams are a stabbin' youLike dirty, drivin' rain
Your grass is turnin' blackAnd there's no water in your wellYour grass is turnin' blackAnd there's no water in your wellYou spent your last lone dollarOn them seven shotgun shells
Way out in the wildernessA cold coyote callsWay out in the wildernessA cold coyote callsYour eyes fix on the shotgunThat's hangin' on the wall
Your brain it is a bleedin'And your legs can't seem to standYour brain it is a bleedin'And your legs can't seem to standYour eyes fix on the shotgunThat you're holdin' in your hand
There's seven breezes blowin'Around the cabin doorThere's seven breezes blowin'All around the cabin doorSeven shots ring outLike the oceans 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.