THIRSTY BOOTS
(Eric Andersen)

You've long been on the open road, you’ve been sleeping in the rain.
From dirty words and muddy cells your clothes are smeared and stained,
But the dirty words and muddy cells will soon be hid in shame,
So only stop to rest yourself till you are off again.

CHORUS: So take off your thirsty boots and stay for a while.
Your feet are hot and weary from a dusty mile,
And maybe I can make you laugh. maybe I can try.
I'm just looking for the evening, the morning in your eye.

So tell me of the ones you saw as far as you could see
Across the plain from field to town a-marching to be free,
And of the rusted prison gates that tumbled by degree.
Like laughing children, one by one, they look like you and me.

CHORUS
I know you are no stranger down the crooked rainbow trails,
From dancing cliff-edged shattered sills of slandered, shackled jails,
For the voices drift up from below as the walls they're being scaled.
Yes, all of this, and more, my friend, your song shall not be failed.
CHORUS

Yes, you've long been on the open road. you’ve been sleeping in the rain,
From dirty words and muddy cells your clothes are smeared and stained
But the dirty words, the muddy cells, they’ll soon be judged insane,
So only stop to rest yourself 'til you are off again.
CHORUS

Notes:
Originally written about a civil rights worker this song was dedicated to Phil Ochs after his death. It first appeared on the album "'Bout Changes an' Things" (Vanguard LP VRS 79206) released in 1966.
RP jul07