Chief

Patty Griffin

(1000 Kisses)



Chief had been out of the army

For 15 years or more

He was still marching up and down that street

Just like he was a-walking a war

They called him the chief because he was Indian

It was a name they said behind his back

In the summer he'd march without any shoes

Until the soles of his feet turned black

'til the soles of his feet turned black



His hands wouldn't work the machinery

Cause his brain told him what to say

It's a hell of a life

But its somebody's life

Up and down the street all day



Honey, I've been put through the paces

Like a dog running on a track

The wheels keep on going as fast as you get there

You don't ever get to go back

I don't really know what I'm doing

Just watching myself in some play

And the actress looks like she wants to go home

And lie in bed all day

Yeah lie in a big bed all day



Her hands wouldn't work the machinery

Cause his brain tells him what to say

It's a hell of a life

But its somebody's life

Up and down the street all day



Well I wish that you could see me

when I'm flying in my dreams

The way I laugh there way up high

The way I look when I fly

The way I live

The way I fly



Chief got out of the army

Jesus went to live with the poor

I'm still marching up and down that street

I don't know what I'm doing that for

I don't know what I'm doing that for

I don't know what I'm doing that for