40 Years

I was counselor in a minimum security prison for three years and I often empathized with the inmates. That experience inspired me to write 40 Years.

40 Years

I feel tears rolling down my face
don't know why I'm in this place
she meant all the world to me
I don't know why she set me free

chorus:
tears of salt and tears of pain
tears of why I'm in this rain
slinging around a ball and chain
Lord I got 40 years

no I couldn't watch her go
gunner her down in the cold cold snow
down on my knees I pray at night
i gotta get my soul and spirit right

chorus:
tears of salt and tears of pain
tears of why I'm in this rain
slinging around a ball and chain
Lord I got 40 years

It's too late she won't be mine
can't turn back the hands of time
what i did I do regret
I loved her then I love her yet

chorus:
tears of salt and tears of pain
tears of why I'm in this rain
slinging around a ball and chain
Lord I got 40 years