Born to a good father I have no excuse I could say I blame someone but what would be the use When I learn to travel now is when I learn to steal To ride without a ticket now along the lines of steel
Oh you don't know the things I have seen Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family Oh you don't know the cages I have seen Twenty years in and out of the Johnson Family
I'd harnessed stones and took them to the fence I found my heart by moved the shop and always made the rent When I met old George now he showed me to the box Fresh out the night oh from the day now the money never stops
Oh you can't know the cages I have seen In and out over the years of the Johnson Family Oh you can't know the troubles I have seen Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family
Call me a thief and a liar now you know you would be right Straight as an arrow I sit here tonight All my debts too heavy boys I cannot pay them down I pawn my watch and take a walk down to the sea to drown
Oh you can't know the things I have seen Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family Oh you can't know the cages I have seen Twenty years out on the road with the Johnson Family