The Traveling Storm Lyrics - Robert Earl Keen

In a year that is not now 

From a place unknown 

I travel on the mountain roads 

Looking for someone 

Sewn inside my vest, a letter 

Tells me where and when 

In my purse a sacred dagger 

On my horse I run 

Restless girl beside the water 

Tending to a fire 

Kissed a boy and then another 

Suiting up for war 

Heard a broken band of gypsies 

Singing ancient songs 

Gave all my silver to a beggar 

Still he wanted more 

Oh the town of stone and timber 

Celebration reigned 

No one there seems to remember 

Why they carry on 

Crowded 'round a man of marble 

Speaking foreign tongues 

There the stone began to crumble 

And the crowd did moan 

In the unforgiving morning 

Caravans of shame 

Turn south to the dry land highway 

I turn to the sea 

Like a snake so quick and deadly 

Sleepless, coiled and cool 

The one I seek is making ready 

Waiting patiently 

Pity not the weary traveler 

He lives in his mind 

He is friend of wind and weather 

And from fire is born 

Pity then the cool betrayer 

Waiting patiently 

No precaution made will save him 

From the traveling storm