Under the fierce yellow sun
I saw a vision of what I've become
Standing there helpless
'Neath the great billboard's shade
I grew so nauseous I gave up my trade
My ma began weeping from way beneath the ground
Saying "Sonny be careful while you're roaming around
Men have tried, surely some died
As total strangers to their children & wives
While you are roaming and all out there alone
Gather some strong bricks to build yourself a home
When you grow weary, my lil' tumbleweed
Find a sweet woman and follow her lead

Because a desperate man is only half a man
When he's running away"

Mama I hear you so loud and so clear
Many a midnight brought rainclouds of tears
Bad dreams they chase me they burden my soul
So I lift up my throat just to fight them with song
When my body grows weary when my legs go numb
O angel of mercy, allow me my slumber
When times are desperate, allow me resolve
& the strength to rally my limbs in resistance

Of the desperate acts a man thinks he must make
When he's running away