[Verse 1]
I packed up my bags
Put in my favorite Levi's
Laid my mandoline beside the door
I said to mama

[Chorus]
I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark
I'll be alright
You'll be fine without me
I'll be home before dark

[Verse 2]
Bought a ticket
To New York City
One way out and no return
I watched the sun go down
Across the plains from Denver
Lord, how the western sky can burn
Met a boy in the darkness
Handsome, tall and heartless
Loved him like an eagle loves the wind
Till I heard him say
[Chorus]
I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark
I'll be alright
You'll be fine without me
I'll be home before dark

[Verse 2]
My daughter looks like him they say
To me she looks like mama
I see an eagle shadow in her eyes
Last night, on her birthday
We blew the candles out together
I wonder will she take me by surprise
When she says

[Chorus]
Mama, I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark
I'll be alright
And you'll be fine without me
I'll be home before dark
I'll be home before dark