Nazareth – The Ballad Of Hollis Brown lyrics

(copyright bob dylan, 1963 M. Witmark & sons. Warner bros. Music)

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 babys eyes look crazy and theyre tuggin at your sleeve
Your babys eyes look crazy and theyre 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 aint got no friend

Your babys a cryin louder now its poundin on your brain
Your babys a cryin louder now its poundin on your brain
Your wifes screams are a stabbin you
Like dirty, drivin rain

Your grass is turnin black and theres no water in your well
Your grass is turnin black and theres 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 youre holdin in your hand

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

Theres seven people dead on a south dakota farm
Theres seven people dead on a south dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance
Theres seven new people born.