They've read the scripture, they've passed the plate
And we're both prayin' he don't preach late
But he's gettin' "Amens," and that's just our luck
Yeah, it's eighty-five degrees outside and he's just gettin' warmed up 

Oh you and me, we could be soakin' up that sun
Findin' out just how fast your brother's boat'll run
I tell you there ain't nothin' that'll test your faith
Like a long sermon on a pretty Sunday 

Well it's been rainin' all week long
I woke up this mornin', the dark clouds were gone
We've both been raised not to miss church
But on a day like today heaven knows how much it hurts 

Oh you and me, we could be soakin' up that sun
Findin' out just how fast your brother's boat'll run
I tell you there ain't nothin' that'll test your faith
Like a long sermon on a pretty Sunday 

See that sunlight shinin' through that stained glass
How much longer is this gonna last 

Oh you and me, we could be soakin' up that sun
Findin' out just how fast your brother's boat'll run
I tell you there ain't nothin' that'll test your faith
Like a long sermon on a pretty Sunday. Back to Top
 

Celebrity Back to Top

Someday I'm gonna be famous,
Do I have talent? well, no.
These days you don't really need it,
Thanks to reality shows 

Can't wait to date a supermodel,
Can't wait to sue my dad.
Can't wait to wreck a Ferrari
On my way to rehab

Cause when you're a Celebrity
It's adios reality
You can act just like a fool
People think you're cool
Just cause your on TV.
I can throw major fits
When my latte isn't just how I like it
They say I've gone insane, 
I'll blame it on the fame,
And the pressures that it goes with
Being a Celebrity

I get to cry to Barbara Walters,
When things don't go my way.
I'll get community service
No matter which law I break 

I'll make the supermarket tabloids,
They'll write some awful stuff
But the more they run my name down, 
The more my price goes up

Cause when you're a Celebrity,
It's adios reality
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just cause you're on TV.
I can fall in and out of love,
Have marriages that barely last a month.
When they go down the drain
I'll blame it on fame
And say it's just so tough.
Being a Celebrity 

So let's hitch up the wagons and head out west
To the land of fun in the sun
We'll be real world bachelors
Jackass -  Millionaires
Hey, Hey, Hollywood
Here we come! 

Yeah, When you're a Celebrity
It's adios reality
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just cause you're on t.v.
Being a Celebrity
Yeah Celebrity!
uh-huh

"Where's my coffee?"  Back to Top
 

Me Neither Back to Top
Darlin' I've been standin' here just watchin' you all night
And I think I've even caught you watchin' me a couple times
If I don't ask I'll never know
This may sound dumb, but here we go
Do you believe in love at first sight?

Me neither
I'm glad that we agree
Believe me
That's a big relief
Well, this place is awful crowded
And this music is so loud
Would you like to go and grab a bite to eat?
Me neither 

It's nice to finally meet a girl who doesn't move too fast
I was only checkin', that's the reason that I asked
Relationships need time to grow
You and I should take this slow
And darlin' tell me, would you like to dance? 

Me neither
I was just bein' polite
Thank goodness
My feet are much too tired
I'm sure you're tired too
I can see an empty booth
Would you like to maybe sit and talk a while
Me neither
We'd never get along
I'm thinkin' there's no chemistry at all
This has been a waste of time
And I'm runnin' outta lines
Don't you think it's time for me to end this song
Me neither. (Back to Top)
 

Who Needs Pictures?     (Back to Top)
There's an old Kodak camera in my dresser drawer
I ran across it just this afternoon
And I realized that I don't ever use it anymore
In fact last time I did I think it was with you 

When we were down in Cozumel
We had the whole beach to ourselves
And it's crazy now to think 
That it's all there on that film
And I could take it to the store 
To be developed, but what for
I can still see everything just fine
And who needs pictures with a memory like mine 

Standin' there I couldn't help but think about
Everything that might be on that roll
I think it even has another trip we took
I guess that must've been at least three years ago

When we were down in Baton Rouge
And there wasn't much to do
So we drove into New Orleans every afternoon
And I swear that you would think 
That it was only yesterday
'Cause I can still see everything just fine
Who needs pictures with a memory like mine 

Somewhere in my closet 
There's a cardboard box just sittin' on a shelf
It's full of faded memories
And it's been there ever since the night you left 

Oh, just forgotten photographs
To remind me of the past
Oh, but I can still see everything just fine
Who needs pictures with a memory like mine
Yeah, who needs pictures with a memory like mine.  (Back to Top)
 
 

Whiskey Lullabye     (Back to Top)
She put him out like the burning end of a midnight cigarette.
She broke his heart: He spent his whole life trying to forget.
We watched him drink his pain away, a little at a time,
But he never could get drunk enough to get her off his mind,
Until the night:
He put that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger.
And finally drank away her memory.
Life is short, but this time it was bigger,
Than the strength he had to get up off his knees.
We found him with his face down in the pillow,
With a note that said: "I'll love her till I die."
And when we buried him beneath the willow,
The angels sang a whiskey lullabye.
La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la.
La la la la la la la,
La la la la la la la.

The room was full but nobody knew how much she blamed herself.
For years and years, she tried to hide the whiskey on her breath.
She finally drank her pain away, a little at a time,
But she never could get drunk enough to get him off her mind.

Until the night:
She put that bottle to her head and pulled the trigger.
And finally drank away his memory.
Life is short, but this time it was bigger,
Than the strength she had to get up off her knees.
We found her with her face down in the pillow,
Clinging to his picture for dear life.
We laid her next to him beneath the willow,
While the angels sang a whiskey lullabye.
La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la.
La la la la la la la,
La la la la la la la.

La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la.

La la la la la la la,
La la la la la la la.  (Back to Top)

Don't Breathe (Back to Top)
Oh yeah, sure, no problem
I'll just throw away these feelings
Let go of all these hopes
And never think of you 

No offense, but you've lost it
If you think I'll just forget you
And decide that I don't love you
Do you realize what you're tellin' me to do 

It's like sayin' don't breathe
Or don't blink
Well darlin' I don't think you understand
See, I can't just turn this off
It's like sayin' don't eat
Or don't sleep
Our love's just one of those things
That I've gotten used to doin' way too long 

You don't have to worry
I'm not gonna stop you
You can pack up all your things
And head on out that door 

But don't stand there and tell me
How you think it would be best
To leave my feelings in the past
And not allow myself to love you anymore 

It's like sayin' don't breathe
Or don't blink
Well darlin' I don't think you understand
See, I can't just turn this off
It's like sayin' don't eat
Or don't sleep
Our love's just one of those things
That I've gotten used to doin' way too long 

It's like sayin' don't eat
Or don't sleep
Our love's just one of those things
That I've gotten used to doin' way too long.   (Back to Top)
 
 
 

He Didn't Have to Be    (Back to Top)
When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new
It always winds up feeling more like a job interview
My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run 

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old
He took my mom out to a movie and for once I got to go
A few months later I remember lying there in bed
I overheard him pop the question and prayed that she'd say yes 

And then all of a sudden
Oh, it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be 

I met the girl that's now my wife about three years ago
We had the perfect marriage but we wanted somethin' more
Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends
Crowded 'round the nursery window as they bring the baby in 

And now all of a sudden
It seemed so strange to me
How we've gone from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' through the glass I think about the man
That's standin' next to me
And I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be 

Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be 

Yeah, I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be
Because he didn't have to be
You know he didn't have to be. (Back to Top)
 
 
 

We Danced (Back to Top)
The bar was empty
I was sweeping up the floor
That's when she walked in
I said, "I'm sorry but we're closed"
And she said "I know,
But I'm afraid I left my purse"
I said, "I put one back behind the bar
I bet it's probably yours"
And the next thing that I knew 
There we were, lost in conversation
And before I handed her her purse
I said, "You'll only get this back on one condition" 

And we danced
Out there on that empty hardwood floor
The chairs up and the lights turned way down low
The music played, we held each other close
And we danced 

And from that moment 
There was never any doubt
I had found the one
That I had always dreamed about
And then one evenin'
When she stopped by after work
I pulled a diamond ring out of the pocket of my shirt
And as her eyes filled up with tears
She said, "This is the last thing I expected"
And then she took me by the hand
And said, "I'll only marry you on one condition" 

And we danced
Out there on that empty hardwood floor
The chairs up and the lights turned way down low
The music played, we held each other close
And we danced 

Like no one else had ever danced before
I can't explain what happened on that floor
But the music played 
We held each other close
And we danced
Yeah, we danced. (Back to Top)
 
 

In The Garden (Back to Top)
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses 

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet that the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known. (Back to Top)
 
 
 

Cloud of Dust (Back to Top)

She stares out the window fightin' back tears
And watches him wastin' his time in the fields
They're havin' problems payin' the bills
And she knows that it won't be long
Before the bank finally places a lien on the farm 

And the tractor keeps rollin'
The dust rises high
Creating the only cloud in the sky
He's holdin' his ground
But it's gettin' tough
He's keepin' his faith
In the Lord up above
And prayin' for rain
Through a cloud of dust 

Yesterday somethin' in town caught his eye
The old hardware store had a help wanted sign
He thought about stoppin' but he drove on by
'Cause he just can't bear to let go
After all it's the only life he's ever known 

And the tractor keeps rollin'
The dust rises high
Creating the only cloud in the sky
He's holdin' his ground
But it's gettin' tough
He's keepin' his faith
In the Lord up above
And prayin' for rain
Through a cloud of dust 

Yeah, he's holdin' his ground
But it's gettin' tough
He's keepin' his faith
In the Lord up above
And prayin' for rain
Through a cloud of dust 

West Texas forecast more of the same
Sunny and mild no chance of rain. Back to Top
 
 

Two Feet of Top Soil     Back to Top
Yesterday I thought that I was low as I could get
I had hit rock bottom ever since you up and left
But this morning when I saw you with
Somebody else, well needless to say 
That's when I started sinking even lower
And as far as where I am at today

There's two feet of topsoil
A little bit of bedrock, limestone in between
A fossilized dinosaur
A little patch of crude oil
A thousand feet of granite underneath
Then there's me

I was kinda hopin' I could dig my way back out
A couple dozen roses maybe get you back somehow
But the love in your eyes as you talked to him
Today was plain to see
So I ain't gonna get involved, but
Should you change your mind 
Well you know right where I'll be

There's two feet of topsoil
A little bit of bedrock, limestone in between
A fossilized dinosaur
A little patch of crude oil
A thousand feet of granite underneath
Then there's me.  Back to Top
 

Two People Fell In Love     Back to Top
 A baby's born in the middle of the night in a local delivery room
They grab his feet smack him till cries he goes home the next afternoon
Before you know he's off to school and he graduates in May
Goes out and gets a Ph.D. and then cures all sorts of things
Wins a Nobel Prize and saves a million different lives
The world a better place for all he's done
It's funny when think about the reason he's alive
Is all because two people fell in love

Right now at a picnic shelter down by canyon creek
You'll find potato salad, hot dogs and baked beans
The whole Wilson family's lined up filling there paper plates
They drove or flown in here from 15 different states
Stanley Wilson said that sixty years ago he knew
That miss Emma Tucker was the one
Now five generations get together every June
And all because two people fell in love

Yea there ain't nothing not affected
When two hearts get connected
All that is will be or ever was
Every single choice we make
Every breath we get to take
Is all because two people fell in love

I recall a young man who was drifting aimlessly 
And a young waitress who seemed lonesome as can be
In a little cafe right off 14th avenue 
With a whole lot of help from up above
We met and things sure turned around for me and you
And all because two people fell in love

Baby there ain't nothing not affected
When two hearts get connected
All that is will be or ever was
I'm glad your dad could not resist
And mammas charm to you exist 
All because two people fell in love

Ya know to me it's all so clear
Every one of us is here
All because two people fell in love

A baby's born in the middle of the night in a local delivery room
They grab his feet smack him till cries he goes home the next afternoon.  Back to Top
 

Part II Back to Top
Hollywood never fails to make a sequel
For each and every movie that does well
Why can't love be more like that
Where the best ones get a second chance
And that way though you're gone
It wouldn't be that long ('til)

I'd see you in part two
And we'd pick up where we left off 
When I lost you
And we'd fall in love again
And change the way the story ends
Yeah, we'd bring back me and you
In part two

Lookin' back we had so much to look forward to 
The kind of love that deserves to be continued 
And if this were only Tinseltown
By now they would have figured out 
A way for you and I 
To give it one more try and

I'd see you in part two
And we'd pick up where we left off 
When I lost you
And we'd fall in love again
And change the way the story ends
Yeah, we'd bring back me and you
In part two

Yeah, we'd fall in love again
And change the way the story ends
Yeah, we'd bring back me and you
In part two.    Back to Top
 

Too Country Back to Top
Too country what's that
Is it like too Republican or too Democrat
Is it too far to the left 
Too far to the right
Too straight down the middle
Is it too black or too white

Are the biscuits too fluffy is the chicken too fried
Is the gravy too thick are the peas too black-eyed
Is the iced tea too sweet does it have too much tang
Are there too many lemons in mama's lemon meringue

Too country what's that
It is too many pearls of wisdom under grandpa's old hat
Is it just too old fashioned is it just too antique
Is the question too strong or the answer too weak

Are the roses too red is the sunshine too bright
Are there too many stars in the heavens at night
Are there too many fish that still jump in the stream
Is the blue sky too blue is the clean air too clean

Is the grace too amazing is the steeple too tall
Are there too many "yes sir's", "yes ma'am's"
And "how're y'all's"
Is the message too real too close to the bone
Do the fiddle and steel remind you too much of home
Is honest and true just not in demand
Too country
Too country
Too country
I don't understand.  Back to Top

I've Been Better     Back to Top
Darlin' after you left I got that promotion
They transferred me out to La Jolla right on the ocean
And now I'm makin' more money than I can spend
I've got a house on the beach and a bunch of new friends
Oh, you oughta hear what they say
Tellin' me that I've got it made
But

I've been better
Yeah, I miss those times when we were still together
Right now lookin' back
I don't think the past has ever been this clear
And I realize sittin' here, as I write this letter
Oh, I've been better 

I've been seein' a girl that I met out in Spring Valley
She's havin' the time of her life, least that's what she tells me
She says it's love and to tell you the truth
I've tried my best to feel that way too
Oh, but I always realize
When I look into her eyes
That

I've been better
Yeah, I miss those times when we were still together
Right now lookin' back
I don't think the past has ever been this clear
And I realize sittin' here, as I write this letter
Oh, I've been better 
Oh, I've been better . Back to Top
 

Wrapped Around     Back to Top
Every day  I clock out
And head straight to her house
We cuddle up on the couch
But it always ends the same ole way
I'm drivin' home and it's incredibly late
Something's got to change, 'cause

I've been wrapped around her finger
Since the first time we went out
Every day and every night she's all I think about 
I need that girl beside me
When the lights go out
I think it's time to put a ring on the finger
I'm wrapped around

Went to the bank took out a loan
Went and bought the perfect stone
Called up her dad on the phone
I'm takin' him to dinner Sunday night
I've never been so nervous in my life
I want to do this right, 'cause

I've been wrapped around her finger
Since the first time we went out
Every day and every night she's all I think about 
I need that girl beside me
When the lights go out
I think it's time to put a ring on the finger
I'm wrapped around

Yes sir I love her very much
I know it's only been seven months
But that's long enough

I've been wrapped around her finger
Since the first time we went out
Every day and every night she's all I think about 
I need that girl beside me
When the lights go out
I think it's time to put a ring on the finger
I'm wrapped around

I think it's time to put a ring on the finger
I'm wrapped around. Back to Top
 

You Have That Effect on Me    Back to Top
Every morning the last couple of weeks
In between shaving and brushing my teeth
I'd lean on the sink and practice my lines
By now you would think they'd be memorized

But leave it to me to come all this way
Get down on one knee and forget what to say
I'm at a loss, should have known this is how it would be
'Cause you have that effect on me

I must admit I still don't understand
Why I lose my head holding your hand
There's no explanation, no simple excuse
For this intoxication I feel around you

And now truth be known since I've met you girl
I've been walkin' around in my own little world
One look in my eyes and darlin' any fool could see
That you have that effect on me

You've had your eyes on a two carat ring
I finally went out and I bought it
Right now it's at home sittin' on my TV
Would you believe I forgot it

But you can't blame me 'cause it's plain to see
That you have that effect on me
Yeah, you have that effect on me
Girl, you have that effect on me. Back to Top
 

Hard To Be a Husband/Wife (with Chely Wright)    Back to Top
You wouldn't believe the number of times I've heard somebody say
How come some guy, some handsome prince, hasn't swept you away
But I take off on that tour bus, a different city every night
And doing what I love to do makes it hard to be a wife

You wouldn't believe the number of times I've been asked that myself
Folks can't understand why a heart like mine is still on the shelf
But I'm married to my music and I have been most my life
That makes it hard to be a husband
It makes it hard to be a wife
Cause I'd rather play the Grand Ole Opry
Than go out to dinner and a movie
Right now I'm not thinkin' bout a family of my own
Cause the band's on stage and I'm late for my show

There's folks who think my life is lacking
Cause my time at home is usually spent packing
You might assume that I don't' have a clue what love's about
Oh, but I know love 
Of that I have no doubt
Cause you wouldn't believe the way it feels to hear somebody say
Your song sure means a lot to me
It got me through a real tough day
And if hearing words like that means giving up my social life
Then I've got all the friends I need on that front row
And I've got all the friends I need on that back row
And we can't see those folks unless we're never home
And that makes it hard to be a wife 
And hard to be a husband
And hard to be a wife. Back to Top

It Never Would'a Worked Out Anyway    Back to Top
Oh lighten up, where's your sense of humor
They're just tiny little rumors
That I started 'cause I'm lookin' out for you
Oh settle down, I'm just a little jealous
And I'm sure those other fellas
Never once believed the lies I told were true 

Like the time I told that cowboy that you used to be a man
And the doctor you were datin' that you hide your wedding band
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway 

Oh can't you see, the reason that I'm doin'
All the crazy things I'm doin'
Is because I really care about you girl
And I'll admit I go a little farther
Than I know I probably oughta
But it's all because I need you in my world 

Like the time I told that lawyer that you spent a year in jail
And the salesman you were seein' you hang out at cheap motels
Even if I am responsible for scaring them away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway 

I can't stand the thought of you with anybody else
I know I've gone overboard but I can't help myself 

Like the time I told that dentist you had seven little kids
And you doubled as a dancer at the strip joint on the ridge
Even if I am responsible for scaring him away
You really ought to thank me, I was doin' you a favor
'Cause it never woulda worked out anyway 

It's all because I love you and I can't stop thinkin' of you
And it never woulda worked out anyway.Back to Top
 

Holdin' On To You   (Back to Top)
I'm holdin' on to you
When I close my eyes
You're still in my arms
And we never said goodbye
And it's all that I can do
To go on with my life
But that's supposed to be the reason
Why I'm here tonight 

In a downtown restaurant with a friend of a friend
Well she sure likes to talk and I ain't heard a single word she's said 

Oh, but every now and then I nod
And I pretend to pay attention
And I say things like, "uh huh"
And, "yeah, you're right" and "are you kiddin"
And I laugh when it seems
Like the right thing to do
It's hard to hold a conversation
Holdin' on to you 

I'd give anything 
Just to hear your voice
Or see you look at me and smile
Oh but what I miss the most 

Is holdin' on to you
'Cause here I am tonight
Starin' at a woman
Who's the last thing on my mind 

Oh, but every now and then I nod
And I pretend to pay attention
And I say things like, "uh huh"
And, "yeah, you're right" and "are you kiddin'"
And I laugh when it seems
Like the right thing to do
It's hard to hold a conversation
Holdin' on to you 

When I close my eyes
You're still in my arms
And we never said goodbye. (Back to Top)
 

Sleepin' On The Foldout   (Back to Top)

Sleepin' on the foldout thanks to me and my big mouth
Why did I do what I did
I should'a known better than to lie
But it's too late and so tonight I'm
Sleepin' on the foldout sofa-bed 

She wanted me to go and see her family
But I told her that I had to work
I never dreamed she'd get home so dang early
And she caught me cleanin' fish
Out on our back porch
And now I'm 

Sleepin' on the foldout thanks to me and my big mouth
Why did I do what I did
I should'a known better than to lie
But it's too late and so tonight I'm
Sleepin' on the foldout sofa-bed 

I can't believe they call this thing a mattress
It's 2 a.m. and I'm wide awake
Lookin' back I should'a just been honest
Instead of tellin' her the whole staff 
Spent the day out on the lake
And now I'm 

Sleepin' on the foldout thanks to me and my big mouth
Why did I do what I did
I should'a known better than to lie
But it's too late and so tonight I'm
Sleepin' on the foldout sofa-bed 

Yeah, I'm sleepin' on the foldout sofa-bed.  (Back to Top)
 
 

I'm Gonna Miss Her  (Back to Top)
Well I love her
But I love to fish
I spend all day out on this lake
And hell is all I catch
Today she met me at the door
Said I would have to choose
If I hit that fishin' hole today
She'd be packin' all her things 
And she'd be gone by noon

Well I'm gonna miss her
When I get home 
But right now I'm on this lakeshore
And I'm sittin' in the sun
I'm sure it'll hit me
When I walk through that door tonight
That I'm gonna miss her
Oh, lookie there, I've got a bite

Now there's a chance that if I hurry
I could beg her to stay
But that water's right
And the weather's perfect
No tellin' what I might catch today

Well I'm gonna miss her
When I get home 
But right now I'm on this lakeshore
And I'm sittin' in the sun
I'm sure it'll hit me
When I walk through that door tonight
That I'm gonna miss her
Oh, lookie there, I've got a bite

Yeah, I'm gonna miss her
Oh, lookie there, I've got a bite. (Back to Top)
 

Come On Over Tonight    (Back to Top)
You know I'm stubborn, set in my ways, said I'd never
Fall in love, used all the old cliches
But just now when you called and my heart rate hit the roof
I realized it's time to eat my words and face the truth

So come on over tonight we'll sit on the swing
Watch the pigs fly by flappin' their brand new wings
Just sit back and relax and watch me eat my hat
While the oak trees sprout dollar bills
And I look you in the eye
To finally say the words I swore I'd never say
In my whole life
So come on over tonight

I called my buddies, they're comin' too
After the way I ran my mouth they can't 
Believe it's true
They're bringin' pizza and sweet tea
And I hope that you don't mind
But they said they've gotta see this
And they promise to be quiet

So come on over tonight we'll sit on the swing 
Watch the pigs fly by flappin' their brand new wings
Just sit back and relax and watch me eat my hat
While a big ol' bolt of lightning
Strikes me not just once, but twice
As I say the words I swore I'd never say
In my whole life
Yeah, come on over tonight

Me fallin' in love, that's one of those things
That I swore would never come true
But I'm startin' to think that nothin' is impossible now
That I found you, nothin'

Yeah, come on over tonight we'll sit on the swing
Watch the pigs fly by flappin' their brand new wings
Just sit back and relax and watch me eat my hat
See the premiere performance of demons on ice
As I say the words I swore I'd never say
In my whole life

Say, come on over
Hey, come on over
Said, come on over tonight. (Back to Top)
 

You Will Never Leave Harlan Alive  (Back to Top)
In the deep dark hills of eastern Kentucky
That's the place where I trace my bloodline
And it's there I read on a hillside gravestone
You will never leave Harlan alive

Oh, my granddad's  dad walked down 
Katahrins Mountain
And he asked Tillie Helton to be his bride
Said, won't you walk with me out of the mouth
Of this holler
Or we'll never leave Harlan alive

Where the sun comes up about ten in the morning
And the sun goes down about three in the day
And you fill your cup with whatever bitter brew you're drinking
And you spend your life just thinkin' of how to get away

No one ever knew there was coal in them mountains
'Til a man from the Northeast arrived
Waving hundred dollar bills he said I'll pay ya for your minerals
But he never left Harlan alive

Granny sold out cheap and they moved out west 
Of Pineville
To a farm where big Richland River winds
I bet they danced them a jig, laughed and sang a new song
Who said we'd never leave Harlan alive

But the times got hard and tobacco wasn't selling 
And ole granddad knew what he'd do to survive
He went and dug for Harlan coal
And sent the money back to granny
But he never left Harlan alive

Where the sun comes up about ten in the morning
And the sun goes down about three in the day
And you fill your cup with whatever bitter brew you're drinking
And you spend your life just thinkin' of how to get away

Where the sun comes up about ten in the morning
And the sun goes down about three in the day
And you fill your cup with whatever bitter brew you're drinking
And you spend your life digging coal from the bottom of your grave

In the deep dark hills of eastern Kentucky
That's the place where I trace my bloodline
And it's there I read on a hillside gravestone
You will never leave Harlan alive. (Back to Top)
 

I Wish You'd Stay  (Back to Top)
I talked to my sister in Memphis
And I told her you were movin' to town
Here's her number
She said she'd be glad to show you around
I left a map on your front seat
Just in case you lose your way
But don't worry, once you reach Sallisaw
It's all interstate

I know you need to go
But before you do I want you to know, that I

Wish you the best
And I wish you nothing less
Than every thing you've ever dreamed of 
And I hope that you find love along the way
But most of all
I wish you'd stay

I figure right about sundown
You'll be in West Tennessee
And by then
Maybe I'll understand why you had to leave

I know that you've done some changin' 
And I know there's no changin' your mind
And yes I know
We've been through this a thousand times

I'm sorry for still holdin' on
I'll try to let go and I'll try to be strong, and I'll 

Wish you the best
And I wish you nothing less
Than every thing you've ever dreamed of 
And I hope that you find love along the way
But most of all
I wish you'd stay

Yeah, everything you've ever dreamed of 
And I hope that you'll find love along the way
But most of all
I wish you'd stay
I wish you'd stay.  (Back to Top)
 

All You Really Need Is Love   (Back to Top)
So you say you wanna tie the knot
And you're askin' me if I think that the two of you have got 
What it takes to make it work
Well one thing's for sure
All you really need is love

Let me say I'm happy for you both
And here's a little something that the two of you should know
If you want to do it right
Just take my advice
All you really need is love

And a license and a blood test and a bunch of invitations
A minister, a white dress, and of course a congregation
And flowers and music and candles and cake
And a bunch of rice for folks to throw as you drive away

Now what's that expression on your face
You're lookin' kind of pale, is everything OK
Don't worry you'll be fine
If you just keep in mind
All you really need is love

And bridesmaids and groomsmen and a wedding coordinator
And food for the reception, you'll need someone to cater
Did I forget to mention it'll take a couple rings
And of course a P.A. system if you're wantin' me to sing

Now you look so happy you could cry
And that explains the tear drops I see wellin' in your eyes
Don't worry you'll be fine
If you just keep in mind
All you really need is love

I'm sure I'm tellin' you something you already knew
All you really need is love. (Back to Top)