I heard how all the lights went out in memphis

On the death night anniversary of the king

The pretenders talking dirty in the palace

But it doesn't have that old familiar ring



I see there's been some changes in the valley

All the renegades have finally settled down

Now they worship in the temples of their rivals

And desecrate the holy heart of town



Can't you hear all those sweet voices singing

Takin' care of the chosen ones

Can't you hear all those mission bells ringin'

Say a prayer for the chosen ones



I read they're pourin' oil on troubled waters

Yet they cast a giant shadow on the land

Let's spend another night across the border

And bury all our secrets in the sand



Now they claim there is a message in the bible

They swear there is no master and his slave

But the future's lookin' dim for the lonesome cowboy

When the hand that rocks that cradle digs the grave