I was born in a little town at the edge of Illinois
Two good folks who fed me well and raised a proper boy
A simple life with simple needs just an acre farm and calf to feed
But little did I know what was next
Took my life away from a ripe young age
I know I know the burden song
Never had to bills to pay
Never reached the marriage
I know I know the burden song
Friends from near and far shared my last night on the town
Had a couple of drinks only smiles all around
Reflecting on the better days times when life was just a game
But hours passed and eventually it was time to say goodnight
Boarded the one way plane
A ticket to a foreign place
I know I know the burden song
No more comfy shirt
Just clothes to be worn in dirt
I know I know the burden song
Well I was brought to be a child who was brought to be a man
Not brought to be a soldier fighting wars as far as Japan
And a child that's brought from lovin' knows only how to love
So when the man's told to do a killin', love is all he's thinking of
I would write home twice a day
Thinking that I might be saved
But help was never on the way
If I had the will to breathe
I would get down on my knees and beg
To live in peace
A random number drawn
And in about a month you're gone
I know I know the burden song
What about those who ach
What's the prize for the price they pay
I know I Know the burden song
I fall down screaming
I know that this is the ending
Face to face with someone I don't even know
A life lead to misery
A dried root on the chicory
Is all I have for it to show
I never met Mary Jane
I never kissed in the pouring rain
I know I know the burden song
I never had a job to do
I never saw such a gorgeous view
I know I know the burden song
Well I was brought to be a child who was brought to be a man
Not brought to be a soldier fighting wars as far as Japan
And a child that's brought from lovin' knows only how to love
So when the man's told to do a killin', love is all he's thinking of
Well I was brought to be a child who was brought to be a man
Not brought to be a soldier fighting wars as far as Japan
And a child that's brought from lovin' knows only how to love
So when the man's told to do a killin', love is all he's thinking of