Verses repeat same chord progression with a solo after verses 2 (piano), 4 (mandolin),
and 6 (fiddle).
[Verse 1]
I woke up one morning, in the spring of 65
Considering myself lucky, to be found alive.
I hitched up my horses, my business to pursue,
Instead of hauling four loads, I only hauled two.
[Verse 2]
I d had my fill of plowing, before the sun was high
The sunshine made my head feel strange, it was an honest try.
So I unhitched my mule, and saddled up my mare
And rode down to the grocery, to see what s doin there.
[Verse 3]
Now farming folk for miles around were gathered in the store
Each saying that he d never left his plow so soon before.
While talkin of the mystery of God s unfolding will,
Old man Hawkins brought a load of whiskey from his still.
[Verse 4]
Now most of us had never drunk so early in the day
But, since today was special, we got drunk anyway.
We got so drunk and crazy, that we all did agree,
To meet that very night, where the fiddle was to be.
[Verse 5]
The night was clear as crystal, the moon was full and bright
And nothing looked familiar, in that pale, unearthly light.
There was no wind, no calling birds, in fact it was so still,
I scarcely drew a breath, till I d reached old Laurel Hill.
[Verse 6]
I ll tell you of our party, and how it did commence
When four of us jolly boys, got on the floor to dance.
The fiddler being willing, his arm a being strong,
He played the Crippled Kingfisher about four hours long.
[Verse 7]
I see the morning star boys, I guess we danced enough
We ll spend another hour, in paying cash for cuff.
We ll go back to our plows, we ll whistle and we ll sing,
We never shall be guilty of another such a thing.
[Verse 8]
Come all you newsy women,who gather news about
Don t tell no tales upon us, we re bad enough without.
Dont tell no tales up on us, and kick up any fuss,
You been guilty of the same thing, perhaps a whole lot worse.
