THE HOBO SONG
(John Prine)
Johnny Cash - 1991


There was a time when lonely men would wander
Through this land rolling aimlessly along
So many times I've heard of their sad story
Written in the words of dead men's songs.

Down through the years many men have yearned for freedom 
Some found it only on the open road
So many tears of blood have fell around us
'Cause you can't always do what you are told.

CHORUS:
Please tell me where have all the hobos gone to
I see no fire burning down by the rusty railroad tracks
Could it be their time has gone and left them
Tied up in life's eternal travellin' sack.

REPEAT CHORUS x 3 
& FADE


*****


In the original 1978 recording by the writer,
John Prine, there was an extra, last verse:

Last Sunday night I wrote a letter to my loved one 
I signed my name and knew I'd stayed away too long
There was a time when my heart was free to wander
And I remember as I sing this hobo song.



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle, July 2002)