Verses repeat same chord progression with a solo after verses 2 (piano), 4 (mandolin),
and 6 (fiddle).
[Verse 1]
Dm Am C Dm
I woke up one morning, in the spring of 65
Dm Am C Dm
Considering myself lucky, to be found alive.
Dm Am C Dm
I hitched up my horses, my business to pursue,
Dm Am C Dm
Instead of hauling four loads, I only hauled two.
[Verse 2]
Dm Am C Dm
I'd had my fill of plowing, before the sun was high
Dm Am C Dm
The sunshine made my head feel strange, it was an honest try.
Dm Am C Dm
So I unhitched my mule, and saddled up my mare
Dm Am C Dm
And rode down to the grocery, to see what's doin there.
[Verse 3]
Dm Am C Dm
Now farming folk for miles around were gathered in the store
Dm Am C Dm
Each saying that he'd never left his plow so soon before.
Dm Am C Dm
While talkin' of the mystery of God's unfolding will,
Dm Am C Dm
Old man Hawkins brought a load of whiskey from his still.
[Verse 4]
Dm Am C Dm
Now most of us had never drunk so early in the day
Dm Am C Dm
But, since today was special, we got drunk anyway.
Dm Am C Dm
We got so drunk and crazy, that we all did agree,
Dm Am C Dm
To meet that very night, where the fiddle was to be.
[Verse 5]
Dm Am C Dm
The night was clear as crystal, the moon was full and bright
Dm Am C Dm
And nothing looked familiar, in that pale, unearthly light.
Dm Am C Dm
There was no wind, no calling birds, in fact it was so still,
Dm Am C Dm
I scarcely drew a breath, till I'd reached old Laurel Hill.
[Verse 6]
Dm Am C Dm
I'll tell you of our party, and how it did commence
Dm Am C Dm
When four of us jolly boys, got on the floor to dance.
Dm Am C Dm
The fiddler being willing, his arm a being strong,
Dm Am C Dm
He played the Crippled Kingfisher about four hours long.
[Verse 7]
Dm Am C Dm
I see the morning star boys, I guess we danced enough
Dm Am C Dm
We'll spend another hour, in paying cash for cuff.
Dm Am C Dm
We'll go back to our plows, we'll whistle and we'll sing,
Dm Am C Dm
We never shall be guilty of another such a thing.
[Verse 8]
Dm Am C Dm
Come all you newsy women,who gather news about
Dm Am C Dm
Don't tell no tales upon us, we're bad enough without.
Dm Am C Dm
Dont tell no tales up on us, and kick up any fuss,
Dm Am C Dm
You been guilty of the same thing, perhaps a whole lot worse.