Robert Earl Keen - Whenever Kindness Fails lyrics

rate me

I crossed the desert on a dining car

In the spring of ninety-one

I met some people drinking at the bar

They were laughing, having fun

I told 'em that I hadn't heard the joke

That was so hilarious

They said that I was just a dumb cowpoke

I didn't want to make a fuss

So I shot 'em down, one by one

Then I left 'em 'long the rails

I use my gun

Whenever kindness fails

The moon was in the sign of Scorpio

The sun was at my back

I didn't know how far the train would go

Until the law would find my track

I saw the brakeman and the engineer

Drinking wine and eating Brie

I asked 'em who would brake and who would steer

They started pointing back at me

So I shot 'em down, one by one

Then I left 'em 'long the rails

I use my gun

Whenever kindness fails

I only have a moment to explain

Just a chance to let you know

When it's time for you to board the train

There are two ways you can go

You can ride the wheels into the sun

Feel the wind upon your face

Or you can laugh into a loaded gun

And you'll likely lose your place

So I shot 'em down, one by one

Then I left 'em 'long the rails

I use my gun

Whenever kindness fails

Yeah I shot 'em down, one by one

Then I left 'em 'long the rails

When I use my gun

That lonesome whistle wails