Dry Engine from Dog Winter by Joseph Running Crane

Told everyone you knew you were leaving but you wound up staying
Tied here by promises and debts you never wound up paying
And this town still speaks your name though the voice and place remain the same
Whatʼll you do when you find that nothingʼs changed?

You want to find a higher track
An honest way to make it back
Shake the dust loose from these thoughts
Sort what youʼre saying from what youʼre not
An honest trade for what you got

Thereʼs no prettier sight than looking back on a town you left behind
Van Zandt sings in your car though you donʼt have a place in mind
Every wandering song that every folksinger has sung
Are just words and chords if they havenʼt wandered some

You want to find a straighter track
An honest man when you get back
Solid ground beneath the road
Porch lights on when you get home
An honest trade for what you own

The highway moans like a prairie wind
As the gale force speeds pick you up and toss you out the door again
Empty pockets, gravel lots
Bone-dry engine, scattered thoughts
You want to sing to cleaner ears
A larger bowl to hold your tears
To exchange more miles for more days
Things worth having you get in trade
You get in trade
You get in trade

• Americana
• Blackfeet
• Country
• Folk
• Missoula
• montana