The slow, folk feel to this song is no accident.  No, this song
is about one of the largest influences ever on Jay Farrar and 
many other great artists: Townes Van Zandt.  Jay wrote this song
before Townes passed away, which makes the irony of the song
even stronger.  The song is obviously about the wear and tear on
him from the many years Townes has been travelling the globe to 
pick that old guitar for his many fans.  If you are familiar
with Townes' music, you will know that Jay captures the elements
that make Townes' music and life one of the most inspirational in
the history of mankind.  The fact that Townes would be sorely
missed when he was to go: "The old folksinger lays it down/Not
for long, no longer anymore."  Townes' often contraversial 
personal life: "Spinning tales of temptation/Gambling days lost
and won."  And lastly, just a beautiful closing verse to show
Jay's enormous respect for one of the greatest folk singers, 
songwriters, and poets ever to live: "Like to hear your story 
told with a two-step beat and rhyme/Could be Tennessee or
Texas/On and on that road winds."  Also, for those who don't 
know this, Steve Earle practically worships Townes.  Steve 
named his oldest son after Townes, and has been quoted as 
saying (with no disrespect to Dylan), "Townes Van Zandt is the 
greatest songwriter ever to live, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's
coffee table in my cowboy boots and say the same thing." Keep pickin' in heaven, buddy.



Mileage has taken its toll
Paid it with lines to show
You've had your fill of asphalt
Cough tremors, and smoke-filled doors

Look like the habit controls you
You look like you need a rest
You've made it to the timber-line
Don't know what to expect

(Chorus)
God knows, you don't need it
Too early, you might be the one
To find yourself somewhere else
Too early in the sun

Song strains, distant, over
A barroom drink-filled roar
The old folksinger lays it down
Not for long, no longer anymore

Spinning tales of temptation
Gambling days lost and won
No crimes committed here
Too much habit could be the one

(Chorus)

Never seen half of what you've seen
Real life never quite adds up
The road goes on when the faces don't
Word of mouth never tells the truth

Like to hear your story told
With a two-step beat and rhyme
Could be Tennessee or Texas
On and on, that road winds

(Chorus)