"Whenever Kindness Fails"

                            Bobert Earl Keen, Jr.

I crossed the desert on a dining car.
In the spring of ninety-one.
I met some people drinking at the bar.
They were laughing, having fun.

I told 'em that I hadn't heard the joke.
That was so hilarious.
They said that I was just a dumb cowpoke.
I didn't want to make a fuss.

So I shot 'em down,
one by one.
Then I left 'em 'long the rails.
I use my gun Whenever kindness fails.

The moon was in the sign of Scorpio.
The sun was at my back.
I didn't know how far the train would go.
Until the law would find my track.

I saw the brakeman and the engineer.
Drinking wine and eating Brie.
I asked 'em who would brake and who would steer.
They started pointing back at me.

So I shot 'em down,
one by one.
Then I left 'em 'long the rails.
I use my gun Whenever kindness fails.

I only have a moment to explain.
Just a chance to let you know.
When it's time for you to board the train.
There are two ways you can go.

You can ride the wheels into the sun.
Feel the wind upon your face.
Or you can laugh into a loaded gun.
And you'll likely lose your place.

So I shot 'em down,
one by one.
Then I left 'em 'long the rails.
I use my gun Whenever kindness fails.

Yeah I shot 'em down,
one by one.
Then I left 'em 'long the rails
When I use my gun,
that lonesome whistle wails.