(Nanci Griffith)

Well, it's that old time story
Of a new face to glory
Someone wanted my soul for their pride
What about the system
Of fools arranged for missing
Well, I can't lie, they all pass with time

Why do my people come and go?
I keep on leaving them behind
And Lord, I miss them so
I've watched my heroes change from
Silver into gold
As the time goes, only memories grow

It's your smiles that I remember
The dreams of the young and tender
Coming real, but now it seems
That highways are for foolish travelers
Always bonded, always shackled
By the prayer that they're remembered
In our dreams

Why do my people come and go?
I keep on leaving them behind
Lord, I miss them so
I've watched my heroes change from
Silver into gold
As the time goes, only memories grow

I am just a barroom child
Tried so damn hard to learn the style
Of your drunken tears, the way they smile
I guess I'll never learn the rules
I still play the simple fool
Who loves without the chains of lies

Why do my people come and go?
I keep on leaving them behind
And Lord, I miss them so
I've watched my heroes change from
Silver into gold
As the time goes, only memories grow
As the time goes, only memories grow