Desperation Road

(Michael Martin Murphey)

Driving west out on I-40 on my way to taste some California wine

A broke down family flagged me down near the Arizona line

Their whole world was in a pick-up

I guess it couldn't pull the load

It was just our vacation

But to them it was desperation road

 

The lines on their faces

Told the stories of the places that they'd been

Now their home is a highway that never seems to end

Empty dreams and empty pockets sure can make a heavy load

To some of us it's just a highway

But to others it's desperation road

 

Chorus:

And their eyes had a sadness from another place in time

A silent reminder that the grapes of wrath still make a bitter wine

And it sure makes you wonder

'Bout all the seeds our country sows

Which of us will be the next to travel down desperation road

 

I helped them start their pick-up

And watched them as they faded out of sight

Guess the last thing I remember is the faces of the children in my lights

That night in a motel room

I had a dream that made my blood run cold

I saw my own wife and family standing out on desperation road

 

Repeat Chorus

 

Could be your own wife and family

Standing out on desperation road

 

 

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