Home Before Dark

I packed up my bags,
Put in my favorite Levi’s.
Laid my mandoline beside the door.
Said to 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.