a long time ago i left my home
for a job in the fruit trees
but i missed those hills with the windy pines
for their song seemed to suit me
so i sent my wages to my home
and said we'd soon be together
for the next good crop would pay my way
and i would come home forever
one more dime to show for my day
one more dollar and i'm on my way
when i reach those hills, boys
i'll never roam
one more dollar and i'm going home
no work said the boss at the bunk house door
there's a freeze on the branches
so when the dice came out the bar downtown
i rolled and took my chances
a long time ago i left my home
just a boy passing twenty
could you spare a coin and a christian prayer
for my luck has turned against me
-gillian welch