The federal express man was down on the driveway
Out of his step van
Cursing your name

It wasn't the first time
You changed his side mirror
Into a mirrorless frame

And though I know you are guilty of nothing
Except for a strong will to live in the light
You throw your seeds on the wind like a thistle
Good night, Box Elder, good night

I sat down in town
At the bar full of elbows
And a man from the county told me that time and again....

When you try to cut one, like the heads of the Hydra
They grow back in a power of ten

And though I know you are guilty of nothing
Except for a strong will to live in the light
You throw your seeds on the wind like a thistle
Good night, Box Elder, good night

And that man told me
That from your tree
They formed the cross on Calvary
When the people cried, "crucify"
And Pilate washed his hands

A cloud of blue smoke will rise in the morning
The engine will sputter
And the chain...it will spin

But here at my window, tonight it is quiet
Except for the leaves in the wind

And though I know you are guilty of nothing
Except for a strong will to live in the light
You throw your seeds on the wind like a thistle
Good night, Box Elder, good night