Over Yonder (by Steve Earle)

Steve Earle wrote the best prison song of all time, from the perspective of a man about to be put to death and coming to terms with what he's done and what lies ahead. I challenge you to name a better one. Lyrics:
Just as soon as I write my letter
Chaplain's waitin' by the door
We'll cross that yard together
Then they can't hurt me anymore

'Cause I'm goin' over yonder
Where no ghosts can follow me
There's another place beyond here
Where I'll be free...
That's what I believe

Give my radio to Johnson
Thibideaux can have my fan
Send my bible home to momma
Call her every now and then

'Cause I'm goin' over yonder
Where no ghosts can follow me
There's another place beyond here
Where I'll be free...
That's what I believe

Well, I guess I had it comin'
I can't ever pay enough
Through all my rippin' and a-runnin'
I hurt everyone I loved

The world will turn around without me
The sun will come up in the east
Shinin' down on all of them that hates me
I hope my goin' brings 'em peace

'Cause I'm goin' over yonder
Where no ghosts can follow me
There's another place beyond here
Where I'll be free...
That's what I believe

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Prison
• prison songs
• put to death
• Jamoof
• John-Michael Field
• J.M. Field
• acoustic guitar
• Steve Earle
• heaven

[Jamoof]

I have a 00-18 Martin, made in 2002, but it's a remake of the 1945 version; rosewood all around, which is standard, and a spruce top which sounds better every day I play it.

[ThaVaHillBilly]

WOW, Brother You've got The Gift ... I'm Proud to say that I've heard You do this song and I feel certain that Steve would Enjoy it as well. GOD Bless

[dap106]

pretty good voice u got there!

[bunkerrr5]

Best cover of this song I ever heard. Well done! GREAT sounding guitar you got there--what is it?

[sobieski71]

Great job! :-)

[gotschas]

to paraphrase Samuel Johnson, "the gallows concentrate the mind"