Lyrics

Old McNeil walking down the road The sun was beginning to set Stopping for a moment to wipe from his brow A trickling bead of sweat John Brown stood in the yard, he was Chopping a block of wood "My back's thrown out", McNeil said "I'd help you if I could" "That's okay", John Brown said And he looked at the setting sun "After I finish this one here I reckon I'll be done" McNeil scratched on the back of his head The lines showing on his face He looked out across John Brown's field Said "I like what you've done to the place Well, it's been one year now sincе Rita passed" McNeil said with a sigh "I don't get out much anymorе" And he wiped a speck from his eye "Well, it's strange. I used to want this So much time to spend on my own All those years with Rita Now I'm alone" "My Marie's been good to me" John Brown said in answer "If she should go before I do I reckon I would suffer Well, dinner's ready by now, I guess You're welcome if you'd like to join us" "No, no, thanks", McNeil replied "I have some other appointments" McNeil walked back down the same road The grass blowing, and the bees Crow flew up and lit up into A distant grove of trees