[Chorus]
I seen the old highway and what it's done to the young and kind
I've seen that highway and what it's done to the young and kind
It's made 'em old and mean way before their time

[Verse 1]
It's like a prisoner seeing a wild bird in the air
It's like a prisoner seeing a wild bird in the air
It's like an old preacher hearing a new widow's prayer

[Chorus]
I seen the old highway and what it's done to the young and kind
I've seen that highway and what it's done to the young and kind
It's made 'em old and mean way before their time

[Verse 2]
It gives a lonesome sound, like a ghost a-rattling chains
It gives a lonesome sound, like a ghost a-rattling chains
It gives a sorrowful sigh, like a little church in the rain

[Verse 3]
I've seen a mother's tears heal a heart somehow
I've seen a mother's tears heal a heart somehow
You're on that highway, your mama can't help you now

[Chorus]
I seen the old highway and what it's done to the young and kind
I've seen that highway and what it's done to the young and kind
It's made 'em old and mean way before their time
It's made 'em old and mean way before their time