General Store

(album: Tapestry - 1970)

Morning, Mrs. Campbell
Lovely day today
I heard about the fire
I wonder what the papers say

Let's see now:
Give me fifty shotgun shells
And a hundred feet of rope
Just add that to my bill

Says here there ain't no hope
They all were burned alive
And four packs of cigarettes
No, I think I'll make it five

I heard about the wedding
I'm so happy for the bride
Why that fire house looked mighty nice
And the whole town swelled with pride

We've watched her grow to womanhood
She's found an upright man
She'll learn this life ain't easy
You do the best you can

No, no, my family ain't so good
My wife just had a spell
And I can't afford the medicine
She needs to make her well

I've been laid off at that factory
For sixteen months or more
I came home last Wednesday evening
I found her lying on the floor

Bye now, Mrs. Campbell
Say howdy to your son
You can tell him we'll go hunting
When he gets a bigger gun

It was too bad about that fire
But don't you get me wrong
We've gotta teach these people
How to stay where they belong