Tennessee Dawn

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jim Lauderdale

I woke at the first ray of moonlight
Slipping through a broken window pane
I've been walking since well past midnight
Headed down a west-bound country lane

I never was anybody could be proud of
No asset am I to society
I'm not the one that's looking for perfection
Good enough is good enough for me

Sing me away on the wings of a blackbird
The wings of a dove, like the song
Sing me away on a Tennessee rooster
At break of a Tennessee dawn

I do not care if I'm getting where I'm heading
Just moving to be moving, mercy me
If anything holds me, I will accept it
'Cause I'm not all that keen on being free

I had a relation at the battle of New Orleans
Another was cut down at Bunker Hill
Same old still provided whiskey for them
And for all I know, it always will

Sing me away on the wings of a blackbird
The wings of a dove, like the song
Sing me away on a Tennessee rooster
At break of a Tennessee dawn

Mary Duke, Charlene and Abeline
It lasted for a month and seven days
I can't seem to get away from her in dreams
So I think I may head back on down that way

If she's still alive and welcomes my arrival
I might very well make up my mind to stay
Prepared inside to find a compromise
By all that's necessary to survive

Sing me away on the wings of a blackbird
The wings of a dove, like the song
Sing me away on a Tennessee rooster
At break of a Tennessee dawn
At break of a Tennessee dawn