There were signs beside the road like Jesus Saves
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And relieve yourself the fast and gentle way
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I was looking for an old man who lived way back in these hills
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Who just might have a story I could tell
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Pretty soon the blacktop disappeared I felt the car change to a lower gear
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I took a drink of liquor just to chase away the chill
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I was twenty seven miles from Olive Hill
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Ahead I saw the bridge where I turned right a dirt road led straight up a mountain side
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I pulled up to a farmhouse I thought I had seen before
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An old man and his dog were at the door
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They told me this old-timer knew this land I told him sir I just don't understand
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Why the kids in this state just grow up and move away
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And leave the land where they were born and raised
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He said son you can't make it on this land
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Unless you're happy working with your hands
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There ain't no kids today that want to stay and work it out
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They wanna see the things they hear about
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He said I cleared this old farm off myself
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And I'd work it now but time has got my health
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Then staring out the window resting in his easy chair
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He told me what I'd really come to hear
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Said you know son people used to tell their kids
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My I don't want you to have to work the way I did
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They don't and some will tell you that it's a shame
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But you have to think before you place the blame
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I guess we must've talked a half a day then I told him that I'd best be on my way
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He shook my hand and said I'm glad I met you Mr Hall
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But I guess there ain't no song here after all
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Kentucky Feb. 27.'71
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| Tom T. Hall |
