In the desert where we searched for gold
the days were hot, the nights were cold
Hank and Joe and me walked on, so bold and brave and free
for days and days we fought the heat
I got so thirsty and I got so weak
and when I fell 'cause I couldn't go
I heard Hank say to Joe

He's dying (dying dying) for water
hear him crying (crying crying) for water
well lay him down in the dust and sand
he said Joe, you know he's a dying man
leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water

I don't remember how long I lay
but when I awoke it was the break of day
buzzards circled miles ahead
I knew Hank and Joe were dead
my eyes were damp, but I could see
a bed of gold nuggets under me
now I know that it won't be long
till they decorate my bone

'Cause I'm dying (dying dying) for water
can't help crying (crying crying) for water
well they laid me down in the dust and sand
he said Joe, you know he's a dying man
leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
he couldn't stand to hear me cry for water

Return to Johnny Cash lyrics.
Return to main page.