Ballad of Hollis Brown

Hollis Brown
He lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown
He lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children
And his cabin broken down

Where you looked for work and money
And you walked a rugged mile
You looked for work and money
And you walked a rugged mile
Your children are so hungry
That they don't know how to smile

Your baby's eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why
With every breath you breathe

The rats have got your flour
Bad blood it got your mare
The rats have got your flour
Bad blood it got your mare
Is there anyone who knows?
Is there anyone who cares?

So you prayed to the Lord above
Please send you a friend
Yes you prayed to the Lord above
Please send you a friend
But your empty pockets tell you
That you ain't got no friends

Your babies are cryin' louder now
It's poundin' in your brain
Your babies are cryin' louder now
It's poundin' in your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you
Like the dirty drivin' rain

Your grass is turnin' black
There's no water in your well
Your grass is turnin' black
There's no water in your well
You spent your last dollar
On seven shotgun shells

Way out in the wilderness
A cold coyote calls
Way out in the wilderness
A cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin' now
Your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a-bleedin' now
Your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That you're holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes blowin'
All around the cabin door
There's seven breezes blowin'
All around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the ocean's poundin' roar

There's seven people dead
On a south Dakota farm
There's seven people dead
On a south Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance
Seven new people are born