[Verse 1] Well, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day Yeah, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day I'm just sitting here thinking With my mind a million miles away [Verse 2] Well, they're doing the double shuffle, throwing sand on the floor They're doing the double shuffle, they're throwing sand on the floor When I left my long-time darling She was standing in the door [Verse 3] Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got k**ed in the war Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got k**ed in the war My sister, she ran off and got married Never was heard of any more [Verse 4] Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months Don't know how it looked to other people I never slept with her even once [Verse 5] Well, the road's washed out—weather not fit for man or beast Yeah the road's washed out—weather not fit for man or beast Funny, how the things you have the hardest time parting with Are the things you need the least [Verse 6] I'm forty miles from the mill—I'm dropping it into overdrive I'm forty miles from the mill—I'm dropping it into overdrive Setting my dial on the radio I wish my mother was still alive [Verse 7] I see your lover-man coming—coming across the barren field I see your lover-man coming—coming across the barren field He's not a gentleman at all—he's rotten to the core He's a coward and he steals [Verse 8] Well my captain he's decorated—he's well schooled and he's sk**ed My captain, he's decorated—he's well schooled and he's sk**ed He's not sentimental—don't bother him at all How many of his pals have been k**ed [Verse 9] Last night the wind was whispering, I was trying to make out what it was Last night the wind was whispering something—I was trying to make out what it was I tell myself something's coming But it never does [Verse 10] I'm gonna spare the defeated—I'm gonna speak to the crowd I'm gonna spare the defeated, boys, I'm going to speak to the crowd I am going to teach peace to the conquered I'm gonna tame the proud [Verse 11] Well the leaves are rustling in the wood—things are falling off of the shelf Leaves are rustling in the wood—things are falling off the shelf You gonna need my help, sweetheart You can't make love all by yourself