A fella told me
This here road leads to Cairo
I got to get me a ride
I got to go back
Go back to my children
I got to see my little bride

I been traveling
Gone a long long time
Don't know what I'll find
Scared of what I'll find
But I just got to see them again

Hey thanks for stopping
Are you headed down to Cairo?
I wrecked my Lincoln in Saint Jo
Why to little old Cairo?
No special reason
Look up some folks I used to know

Me I travel some
Have my share of fun
Now that's a life a man can live
Sure I've played and lost
But who minds the cost
You got to take more than you give

Hey you got another cigar?
Son I sure like this car
Oh from your daddy as a gift
Say on second thought
There's gifts I haven't bought
Just drop me here
Thanks for the lift

Yes I've traveled some
Yes I've been a bum
Never have a dime for gin
Left to make my way
Told her I can't stay
To see my children poor as sin

I know this road
It leads straight into Cairo
Twenty-two miles straight ahead
I can't walk down this road to Cairo
They're better thinking I'm dead

I been traveling
Gone a long long time
Don't know what I'd find
Scared of what I'd find
I can't I just can't walk down this road