I found her deep in the shadows of Chi Town She asked, “What can I do for you, dear?” I said, “Will you take me out straight to the golden state Drop me off somewhere down by the pier?” She sighed, “It’s easy, just get on the freeway It’s much faster, less trouble than I I’m old and I’m broken, I’ll just slow you down You know most folks have left me to die” Well, I wouldn’t take no for an answer Said, “I’m looking for more than a drive And that cold interstate for some folks is great I prefer the more beautiful and wise”
O the Glory Road’s an old angel Who’s no doubt seen much better days Still she’s gifted with flight So I joined her that night On her gilded wings we flew away
Some nights we’d land down by the river Where I slept ‘neath a quilt of vast stars In my dreams she sang me her stories As she gently strummed Guthrie’s guitar She sang about trains and truck stops Nat Cole, Wild Bill, Elvis and Ford Old diners, motels and drive-ins Okies and soldiers and war Will Rogers, the Mick and Abe Lincoln Cowboys and Indians she knew Runner Andy Payne, outlaw Jesse James Neon signs and a whale blushing blue
O the Glory Road’s an old angel Often grounded and tied to earth’s fate It’s from us she receives The strength that she needs To soar against gravity’s weight In one dream she sang by the campfire Her face changed as the years fell away Her robe became new as her sweet voice rang true What a sight she had been in her day! Then the interstate hissed like a serpent Struck her hard and she weakened with time An old wounded angel ever gracious To those who still find her divine And the poisonous serpent who’d stung her Thought we’d bury her deep in some tomb But our love bore the strength to revive her It’s the healing balm for her wound
O how will I speak of the wonders The people, the places I saw The surprises around every corner Well, I’ve hardly got words for it all When we parted down by the ocean I cried, “I’ll deeply miss you, my friend!” She said, “Don’t worry dear I’ll be waiting right here Should you ever come this way again” Now I’m old, travelin’ days are behind me So friend if you meet her some day Tell her I truly did intend To come back again But the years somehow all slipped away
O the Glory Road’s an old angel That heaven’s still smiling upon Though battered and bruised Broken and used She’ll be happy to take you along And share with you all of her blessings And offer her story and song For the Glory Road’s an old angel Whose wings are gilded yet strong