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

In 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 hungry

That they dont know how to smile

Your babys eyes look crazy and theyre tuggin at your sleeve

Your babys eyes look crazy and theyre tuggin at your sleeve

You walk the floor and you 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 that knows

Is there anyone that cares

You prayed to the lord above to please send you a friend

You prayed to the lord above to please send you a friend

Your empty pockets tell you

That you aint got no friend

Your babys a cryin louder now its poundin on your brain

Your babys a cryin louder now its poundin on your brain

Your wifes screams are a stabbin you

Like dirty, drivin rain

Your grass is turnin black and theres no water in your well

Your grass is turnin black and theres no water in your well

You spent your last lone dollar

On them 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 it is a bleedin and your legs cant seem to stand

Your brain it is a bleedin and your legs cant seem to stand

Your eyes fix on the shotgun

That youre holdin in your hand

Theres seven breezes blowin around the cabin door

Theres seven breezes blowin all around the cabin door

Seven shots ring out

Like the oceans pounding roar

Theres seven people dead on a south dakota farm

Theres seven people dead on a south dakota farm

Somewhere in the distance

Theres seven new people born.