Bob Dylan Ballad of Hollis Brown lyrics

Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children and his cabin broken down

He looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
He looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
Your children are so hungry that they don't know how to smile

Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why with every breath you breathe

The rats had got your flour, bad blood, it got your mare
The rats had got your flour, bad blood, it got your mare
If there's anyone that knows, is there anyone that cares?

He prayed to the Lord above, oh please send you a friend
He prayed to the Lord above, oh please send you a friend
Your empty pockets tell you that you ain't a-got no friend

Your babies are crying louder now, it's pounding on your brain
Your babies are crying louder now, it's pounding on your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you like the dirty drivin' rain


Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
You spent your last lone dollar on seven shotgun shells

Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun that's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a-bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun that you're holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes a-blowin' all around the cabin door
There's seven breezes a-blowin' all around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out like the ocean's pounding roar

There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance, there's seven new people born