Oxen and muskets cannot recognize
When they're pointed at cliffs or a friendly man's head
But sore is the heart when you finally decide
That yourself and this person must surely be wed

There's an avenue
Where she came to you
There's a boulevard drenched in the rain
There's a certain smell
Of the leaves that fell
But my friend, she is fickle, and she won't come again

Now many things, brother, can fit in a sack
You can throw them all in and walk all over town
But rocks don't get lighter when piled on your back
They combine in a force that will bring you right down

There's a hidden lane
Where you felt the strain
There's two pennies you threw in the street
There's a cul-de-sac
Where you took her back
But although you may will it you two will not meet

But there's no use fussing or making a scene
There's no horse or brass buggy can bring her back here
'Cause some lovely flowers are only in dreams
They dissolve when you wake and will not reappear

There's a well-worn trail
Winding long and pale
It's a path a great many have known
But it's a solemn day
When they pass that way
Because those who go down it must leave you alone

Now when old desperation comes ambling along
He will walk right in without a knock at your door
And cold-handed heartache will sing that same song
It will fill up your ears 'til you hear nothing more

Now there's a dusty route
Where you put your doubt
It's a road leading straight through your heart
There's an icy chill
Blowing from the hills
Because even in death you still be apart
Now even in death you will still be apart