Ballad of Hollis Brown - Live at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA - May 1963

That's a true story

Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children and his cabin broken down

He looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
He looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
Your children are so hungry that they don't know how to smile

Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and 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
If there's anyone that knows, is there anyone that cares?

You prayed to the Lord above, oh please, send you a friend
You prayed to the Lord above, oh please, send you a friend
Your ain't got that much money, boy, you ain't got no friend

Your babies are crying louder now, it's a-pounding on your brain
Your babies are crying louder now, it's a-pounding on your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you like a dirty drivin' rain

Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your spent your last lone dollar on 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 shortgun that's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a-bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shortgun that you're holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes blowin' all around the cabin door
There's seven breezes blowin' all around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out like the ocean's pounding roar

There's seven people dead on a south Dakota farm
There's seven people dead on a south Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance there's seven new people born