Set out early, every seasoned rider knows
Keep an even pace, steady as she goes
Headed back to town after several nights away
I rode past you on the road again today

Gentle shadows in the mist among the trees
Who awakes prepared to face such sights as these?
God keep the bounty hunter who shows mercy to his prey
I rode past you on the road again today

And as you approached, I could sense the threat
But a stranger's just a friend who hasn't shared their secrets yet

Make camp by sundown, watchfire burning bright
Songs bloom in the dark and throb down in the night
I seek the gate of wisdom, the secret state of play
I rode past you on the road again today

Rise up restless, get ready for the waterworks
Shun the hollow places where my marksman lurks
One of us will tire, and one will rise and ride away
I rode past you on the road again today

Copyright: SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Writer(s): John Darnielle