Michael Martin Murphey Lyrics
"Once A Drifter"

Sittin' in the back where the chairs are stacked
I'm warmin' up the stove,
Thinkin' about my old Ford stomped to the floorboard
Chuggin' out of Pleasant Grove.
Blazin' off to California
Like a dust devil dancin' on a dime
Guess I was a red-eyed backslider
Now I'm tired of the ride.
But once a drifter, always a drifter.
Once a drifter, always a drifter
Mama standing in the driveway
Too choked to say goodbye.
I turned my collar and turned my back
Went a mile and started to cry.
Johnny, Donny Brooks and me
Singing songs to pass the time.
Long befor the war came,
Long before the star game,
Long before I came to find . . .
So here I am, uncertain again
Headed for no place to go.
Settlin' down, leavin' town,
Family man, ramblin' man,
I just pretend it's part of the show.
One too many childhood movies
With strangers riding off in the sun
Taught me you can't talk it out
When you feel like walkin' out.
The sequel's already begun.