Born to a good father I have no excuse
I could say I blame someone but what would be the use
When I learn to travel now is when I learn to steal
To ride without a ticket now along the lines of steel

Oh you don't know the things I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the johnson family
Oh you don't know the cages I have seen
Twenty years in and out of the johnson family

I'd harnessed stones and took them to the fence
I found my heart by moved the shop and always made the rent
When I met old george now he showed me to the box
Fresh out the night oh from the day now the money never stops

Oh you can't know the cages I have seen
In and out over the years of the johnson family
Oh you can't know the troubles I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the johnson family

Call me a thief and a liar now you know you would be right
Straight as an arrow I sit here tonight
All my debts too heavy boys I cannot pay them down
I pawn my watch and take a walk down to the sea to drown

Oh you can't know the things I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the johnson family
Oh you can't know the cages I have seen
Twenty years out on the road with the johnson family