Kentucky Feb 27.'71

(Tom T. Hall)



There were signs beside the road like Jesus Saves

And relieve yourself the fast and gentle way

I was looking for an old man who lived way back in these hills

Who just might have a story I could tell.



Pretty soon the blacktop disappeared

I felt the car change to a lower gear

I took a drink of liquor just to chase away the chill

I was twenty seven miles from Olive Hill.



Ahead I saw the bridge where I turned right

A dirt road led straight up a mountain side

I pulled up to a farmhouse I thought I had seen before

An old man and his dog were at the door.



They told me this old-timer knew this land

I told him sir I just don't understand

Why the kids in this state just grow up and move away

And leave the land where they were born and raised.



He said son you can't make it on this land

Unless you're happy working with your hands

There ain't no kids today that want to stay and work it out

They wanna see the things they hear about.



He said I cleared this old farm off myself

And I'd work it now but time has got my health

Then staring out the window resting in his easy chair

He told me what I'd really come to hear.



Said you know son people used to tell their kids

My I don't want you to have to work the way I did

They don't and some will tell you that it's a shame

But you have to think before you place the blame.



I guess we must've talked a half a day

Then I told him that I'd best be on my way

He shook my hand and said I'm glad I met you Mr. Hall

But I guess there ain't no song here after all...