[Verse 1]
When I was a hitchhiker on the road
I had to count on you
But you needed me to ease the load
And for conversation too
Or did you just pass on through?

[Verse 2]
You didn't see me in Toronto
When I first tried out some hash
Smoked through a pen and I'd do it again
But I didn't have the cash
I didn't have the cash

[Verse 3]
Then I tried amphetamines
And my head was in a glass
Taped underneath the speedometer wires
Of my 48 Buick's dash
But I knew that wouldn't last

[Verse 4]
Then came California
When I first saw open water
In the land of opportunity
I knew I was getting hotter
I knew I was getting hotter
[Verse 5]
But the neon lights
And the endless nights
Fame took me by surprise
The doctor gave me Valium
But I still couldn't close my eyes
I still couldn't close my eyes

[Verse 6]
Then came paranoia
And it ran away with me
I would not sign my autograph
Or appear on TV
Or see or be seen

[Bridge]
Living in the country
Looked good to me
Smoking grass while the summer passed
In a real organic scene
Where everything was green

[Verse 7]
Then we had a kid and we split apart
I was living on the road
And a little cocaine went a long, long way
To ease that different load
And my head did explode
My head did explode
[Verse 8]
I thought I was an Aztec
Or a runner in Peru
I could build such beautiful buildings
To house the chosen few
Like an Inca from Peru

[Verse 9]
Now many years have come and gone
Like friends and enemies
I tried to leave my past behind
But it's catching up with me
It's catching up with me

[Outro]
I don't know how I'm standing here
Living in my life
I'm thankful for my children
And my faithful wife