Oh the preacher's leaving church

The building's being searched

And there ain't nobody left to tell the truth



They've struck their firstborn child

There are bloodstains on the ground

an the skies are fallin down above our heads



Tell me mama please tell me whats wrong

I've been standin here all night an its gettin close to morn

My feet are aching, an I'm a-cryin' blood

I'll be gone by tomorrow, i just came by to say fare-thee-well



The masters of disguise

Are all wound up in their ties

Their tired eyes, they don't hold no truth



Don't listen to 'em none

I know where they are from

An believe me, it ain't no hall of fame



So tell me mama, please tell me whats wrong

The ship's a-going under, I'm afraid that i might drown

The sky is tainted, and it's a-getting dark

I'm leaving here tomorrow, I just came by to say fare-thee-well



Put all your troubles on the ground

Don't let your thoughts get you down

Don't let the fire leave your eyes, don't let it die



I know life's gettin hard

You know, I knew it from the start

I'm shackled to this life I'm meant to live





So tell me mama, please tell me what's wrong

The table's turnin over, there's a change comin on

let's leave this old highway far behind

Come on now, honey

reality is just a state of mind