The New Timer

[Verse] He rode the rails since the Great Depression Fifty years out on the skids He said "You don't cross nobody You'll be all right out here kid" Left my family in Pennsylvania Searching for work I hit the road I met Frank in East Texas In a freight yard blown through with snow From New Mexico to Colorado California to the sea Frank, he showed me the ropes, sir Just until I could get back on my feet I hoed sugar beets outside of Firebaugh I picked the peaches from the Marysville trees They bunked us in a barn just like animals Me and a hundred others just like me We split up come the springtime I never seen Frank again Except one rainy night, he blew by me on a grainer Shouted my name and disappeared in the rain and wind They found him shot dead outside of Stockton His body lying on a muddy hill Nothing taken, nothing stolen Somebody killing just to kill Late that summer, I was rolling through the plains of Texas A vision passed before my eyes A small house sitting track-side With the glow of the savior's beautiful light A woman stood cooking in the kitchen Kid sat at a table with his old man Now I wonder, does my son miss me Does he wonder where I am? Tonight I pick my campsite carefully Outside the Sacramento yard Gather some wood and light a fire In the early winter dark Wind whistling cold I pull my coat around me Heat some coffee and stare out into the black night I lie awake, I lie awake, sir With my machete by my side [Outro] My Jesus, your gracious, love and mercy Tonight I'm sorry could not fill my heart Like one good rifle And the name of who I ought to kill