The Bargain

[Verse 1] Met him there where the river bends, Ain’t no preacher, ain’t no friends. Tipped his hat, grin cut deep, Said, “Boy, you got a soul to keep?” Had a heart full of hunger, a mind full of sin, A pocket too light, a past full of wind. Said, “I ain’t scared, I know the game, Ain’t no man dies who don’t lose his name.” [Chorus] Took his hand, took my time, A man ain’t nothin’ but his word and his crime. He filled my cup, fed my desires, Now the nights burn long and my bones feel tired. [Verse 2] Gave me a house with floors so wide, Filled my bed, filled my pride. Said, “Boy, don’t worry, live real fast, Hell don’t call ’til the good times pass.” So I sinned, so I swayed, Chased my highs, let my soul be swayed. Woke one night, sweat ran cold, Felt the dark crawl up my soul. [Chorus] Took his hand, took my time, A man ain’t nothin’ but his word and his crime. He filled my cup, fed my desires, Now the nights burn long and my bones feel tired. [Outro] Ain’t no running, legs too weak, Ain’t no road, just dust and heat. Ain’t no mercy, nowhere to hide, Just a long way down to the Devil’s side.