Joe

Everything was in the pickup truck

He packed a bag and Mama said, "Good luck"

In California, California

Papa told him that he shouldn't go

Said, "I don't wanna say I told you so

But Joe, I warned you, Joe, I warned you"

Joe, did you know, did you think about your chances out there?

Are you scared? What do you think you're gonna find?

Did your mind go a missin'? Use your senses, oh Joe

Don't you know the world isn't kind?

And the further you get and the deeper you go

The more you will find yourself alone

The higher you fly, the harder you fall

So you never looked back and you went on your way

And I'd never try to make you stay

But the longer you're standing proud and tall

The harder you will fall

Joe was never like the other boys

While they were drinking beer and making noise

Joe was quiet, sad and quiet

Suzy prayed that Joey might propose

But all he left her was a note he wrote

That said, "I'm hiding, I'm tired of hiding"

Joe, did you know that she loved you more than breathing the air?

Is it fair to leave her to cry alone? Okay

Run away, but remember who you're leaving, oh Joe

Don't you know that you're gonna find

That the further you get and the deeper you go

The more you will find yourself alone

The higher you fly, the harder you fall

So you never looked back and you went on your way

And I'd never try to make you stay

But the longer you're standing proud and tall

The harder you will fall

Guess it's been about a year or so

Since anybody heard a word from Joe

I hope he's happy, safe and happy

Now I think about him every day and how I never got a chance to say

I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry

Joe, did you know that we never meant to hurt you or your pride?

Joe, I tried, but I never understood your pain

Joe, I pray that the Lord and all the angels keep you safe

Joe, I pray you stay by their side