The 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

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

Your babys eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin at your sleeve
Your babys 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
If theres anyone that knows
Is there anyone that cares?

He prayed to the Lord above
Oh please send you a friend
He prayed to the Lord above
Oh please send you a friend
Your empty pockets tell you
That you ain't a-got no friend

Your babies are crying louder now
Its a pounding on your brain
Your babies are crying louder now
Its a pounding on your brain
Your wifes screams are stabbin' you
Like the dirty drivin' rain

Your grass it is turning black
Theres no water in your well
Your grass is turning black
Theres no water in your well
You spent your last alone 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
Thats hangin' on the wall

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

Theres seven breezes a-blowin
All around the cabin door
Theres seven breezes a-blowin
All around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the oceans pounding roar

Theres seven people dead
On a south Dakota farm
Well theres seven people dead
On a south Dakota farm
Somewheres in the distance
Theres seven new people born