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 don't know how to smile

Your baby's eyes look crazy and they're tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy and they're 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 ain't got no friend

Your baby's a cryin' louder now it's poundin' on your brain
Your baby's a cryin' louder now it's poundin' on your brain
Your wife's screams are a stabbin' you
Like dirty, drivin' rain

Your grass is turnin' black and there's no water in your well
Your grass is turnin' black and there's 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
That's hangin' on the wall

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

There's seven breezes blowin' around the cabin door
There's seven breezes blowin' all around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the oceans pounding roar

There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance
There's seven new people born.