I Found You

I lost track of family when I was nineteen

My sisters were drifters and old magazines

My brother took in by an Anglican priest

In Amador County, but he’s since deceased

I never would know him, ‘cause he changed his name

And moved to San Pedro, and rode out the rain

I tried being a con man until 24

My marks had been lonely and looking to score

But it was slow going, and felt like a curse

So I started to sell if they needed it worse

I never intended to take what I won

With my old Triumph Tiger, I rode out the sun, singing

Oh I found you, oh I found you

After the last ride was through

Oh I found you, oh I found you

After the last life was through

I met a mechanic up near the state line

He knew I knew motors and paid me just fine

I couriered engines all over the state

And settled near Shasta surrounded by lakes

The beds have gone drier but I do what I can

To keep away fire from my plot of land

It rips through the Coulter and Tamarack pines

And it thickens the air til you’d think you’d gone blind

Some night in September it’ll take me by storm

While I’m still dreaming about when I was born

It’ll eat through my cabin and all my propane

My windows will blacken and my roof will rain

Over my head til I’m buried and gone

They’d put up a sign but it wouldn’t last long, sayin

Until it’s all over, I’ll be where I’ve been

Hauling these engines from Redding to Bend

I’d stop on occasion and see some old friends

But I’ve run like a clock since I needed these ends

To meet like two strangers on opposite trains

Locking their eyes as they’re pulling away, sayin

Oh I found you, oh I found you

After the last nick of time

Oh I found you, oh I found you

After I ran out of time