

the desperation waltz
you were a wanderer in north idaho
boots on the gravel for miles
you’d hustle them boys in the ol’ country dives
you’d sleep with your knife by your side
you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before
and this circus has wore you on down
you were a heavyweight, down in the ring
enough left in you still for a round
but you promised a man with a silver tipped pen
you would end with your face to the ground
you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before
and this circus has wore you on down
you were a waitress in oklahoma
them boys from the prairie were kind
but they slipped you a note with an offer at hand
and a ten dollar bill on the side
you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before
and this circus has wore you on down
you were a schoolboy, no older than ten
well johnny’d been after your hide
you found an ol’ rifle way back in the shed
no daddy to pay it no mind
you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before
and this circus has wore you on down
you were a barber, you cut a clean shave
but you were short when the landlord came by
you sat in the summer heat, eyein’ your blades
and the cop always pacin’ in time
you’ve done a lot more for a lot less before
and this circus has wore you on down