I walked forty miles of mountain road With a worn out wheel and a load down low I broke down and I'd be there still But I had enough speed to make it over the hill
Well I crossed the ridge over the top Seen a two log bridge with no time to stop I can't turn close, I can't turn wide So I left my body on the other side
I walked forty miles of Georgia clay And I seen Diablo along the way Digging a grave with a pick and a shovel I said, "I got no sympathy for you, devil"
I drink my liquor from an old fruit jar I made a banjo from a old ham can I'm going straight to hell when I leave this world I'd rather be a possum than an old broke girl
I walked forty miles of mountain road Soothe my temper, soothe my soul Forty miles of mountain road To get you in the middle and let you go home
I walked forty miles to the old crossroads Tried to buy back my soul Bet it all on just one roll Seen a pair of snake eyes looking cold
When you lose, it's only fair The lord don't hear no gambler's prayer Go tell it on the mountain now have you heard Hell broke loose devil's outta work (x4)
I walked forty miles of mountain road Soothe my temper, soothe my soul Forty miles of mountain road To get you in the middle and let you go home
I walked through the cactus to find a rose For my baby, sweet and cold Six foot down and on his way To meet St. Peter at the gates
I walked forty miles of mountain road Soothe my temper, soothe my soul Forty miles of mountain road To get you in the middle and let you go home