(Tom Meltzer)

based on Bascom Lunsford's Mole in the Ground

I wish that I was a mole in the ground

Like a mole in the ground, I would root that
mountain down

Tree by tree and town by town

I wish I was a mole in the ground

And I wish that I was a lizard in the spring

Like a lizard in the spring, I would hear the
robin sing

I'd feast upon the robin's eggs and I'd not
regret a thing

I wish I was a lizard in the spring

But I'm just a man who loves a woman who's
drifting away

The miles and miles between us grow wider every
day

I wish that I was strong or free or not in love
or dead

Better still, I wish I was a mole in the ground

I don't like working for the railroad man

For the railroad will kill you just as fast as it
can

It drinks your blood like wine and throws your
bones to the wind

I don't like working for the railroad, man

And Tempy oh Tempy wants a $100 shawl

But I got $90, $90, that is all

Our house is not a home it's just a roof and four
walls

But Tempy wants a $100 shawl

CHORUS

Tempy, oh Tempy let your hair hang low

Let your hair hang low while I rosin up my bow

We'll pretend we are lovers like we were so long
ago

Tempy, let your hair hang low

I wish I was a mole in the ground etc

Don't wait up for me 'cause tonight I think I'm
going downtown