What I Owe

With half of Texas blowing off to the east
And the other half stuck to my feet
Took what was left of my love and money
And headed for the sea

If it rained for forty days
I don’t believe this desert would bloom
If I find better luck in the city
I’ll sing it to a picture of you

With all to show for five years labor
A hard luck nickel and my name
Hopped the freight, the old South Central
And headed for those fertile plains

My descendants for seven generations
Are promised to the factory store
What was real I gave to my real friends
If I could I’d give them some more

All I have is the song I sing; it binds us you and me
From California to New York Island, I’m always with my family
I’m on my way just like I went, weary, broke and cold
Been down so far so long that it’s the only thing I know