Everything was in the pickup truck He packed a bag and mama said good luck In California, California
Papa told him that he shouldn’t go Said “I don’t wanna say I told you so” But Joe I warned ya! Joe I warned you
Joe, did you know? Did you think about your chances out there? Are you scared? What do ya think you’re gonna find? Did you mind go a-missing? Use your senses Oh Joe, don’t you know the world isn’t kind?
And the further you get And the deeper you go The more you will find yourself alone The higher you fly, the harder you fall
So you never looked back And you went on your way And I never tried to make you stay But the longer you’re standing proud and tall The harder you still fall
Joe was never like the other boys While they were drinking beer and making noise Joe was quiet, sad and quiet
Suzie prayed that Joey might propose But all he left her was a note he wrote That said, “I’m hiding, I’m tired of hiding”
Joe did you know That she loved you more than breathing air Is it fair to leave her to cry alone? Okay, run away! But remember who you’re leaving Oh Joe, don’t you know that you’re gonna find
And the further you get And the deeper you go The more you will find yourself alone The higher you fly, the harder you fall
So you never looked back And you went on your way And I never tried to make you stay But the longer you’re standing proud and tall The harder you will fall
Guess it’s been about a year or so Since anybody heard a word from Joe I hope he’s happy, safe and happy
Now I think about him everyday And how I never got the chance to say I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry
Joe, did you know That we never meant to hurt you or your pride? Joe I tried, but I never understood your pain Joe I pray, that the Lord and all the angels keep you safe Joe I pray you stay by your side