crossing the rio grande

“Hello nothing” is the sign that welcomes me
And nothing, it seems, is all I see
The empty boxcar, the load it lost
Unanswered prayers, the roadside cross

Wood, bottle caps, and tin
Candles lit for the saints of sin

I’m crossing over the Rio Grande
I’m crossing over the Rio Grande

We are born of unchosen circumstance
And only at our death defined
Some hold papers for passing through
Some are otherwise confined

What will be remembered
When the things I carry get left behind

I’m crossing over the Rio Grande
I’m crossing over the Rio Grande

I slipped the noose and fell through the womb
And found myself on the other side
I could wait it out, or rush it through
The consequence of a changing mind
I’m always on the other side  

The rage of the river once ran wild
Now, at its end, the water runs dry
It’s dammed and drained and taken from
Some say money, some call it love

For roses, cotton, and sugar cane
The dividing line just fades away
I’m crossing over the Rio Grande
I’m crossing over the Rio Grande
I’m crossing over the Rio Grande

Written by Kristin L. Davidson (BMI)
Kristin Davidson: vocals, guitar, pedal steel
Carolyn Phillips: vocals
Lloyd Maines: guitars, bass, mandolin
Pat Manske: percussion
Jane Gillman: guitar
Bukka Allen: accordion