This is a fantastically dark song. It has the feel of an evil circus. If there is a
hell, they play this song in hell and the people of hell enjoy it.
To create the waltzy quality, alternate the bass note with the note on the same fret a
string below. For the Em in the verse, use the fifth string bar chord on the seventh fret.
Born to a good father I have no excuse
I could say I blame someone but what would be the use
When I learn to travel now is when I learn to steal
To ride without a ticket now along the lines of steel
Oh you don t know the things I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Oh you don t know the cages I have seen
Twenty years in and out of the Johnson Family
I d harnessed stones and took them to the fence
I found my heart by moved the shop and always made the rent
When I met old George now he showed me to the box
Fresh out the night oh from the day now the money never stops
Oh you can t know the cages I have seen
In and out over the years of the Johnson Family
Oh you can t know the troubles I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Call me a thief and a liar now you know you would be right
Straight as an arrow I sit here tonight
All my debts too heavy boys I cannot pay them down
I pawn my watch and take a walk down to the sea to drown
Oh you can t know the things I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Oh you can t know the cages I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
