I walked forty miles of mountain road
With a worn out wheel and a load down low
I broke down and I'd be there still
But I had enough speed to make it over the hill
Well I crossed the ridge over the top
Seen a two log bridge with no time to stop
I can't turn close, I can't turn wide
So I left my body on the other side
I walked forty miles of Georgia clay
And I seen Diablo along the way
Digging a grave with a pick and a shovel
I said, "I got no sympathy for you, devil"
I drink my liquor from an old fruit jar
I made a banjo from a old ham can
I'm going straight to hell when I leave this world
I'd rather be a possum than an old broke girl
I walked forty miles of mountain road
Soothe my temper, soothe my soul
Forty miles of mountain road
To get you in the middle and let you go home
I walked forty miles to the old crossroads
Tried to buy back my soul
Bet it all on just one roll
Seen a pair of snake eyes looking cold
When you lose, it's only fair
The lord don't hear no gambler's prayer
Go tell it on the mountain now have you heard
Hell broke loose devil's outta work I walked forty miles of mountain road
Soothe my temper, soothe my soul
Forty miles of mountain road
To get you in the middle and let you go home
I walked through the cactus to find a rose
For my baby, sweet and cold
Six foot down and on his way
To meet St. Peter at the gates
I walked forty miles of mountain road
Soothe my temper, soothe my soul
Forty miles of mountain road
To get you in the middle and let you go home