Fire burned low on the ridge that night
Old men leanin’ in the glow
One took a pull from a mason jar
Said Boy there’s things you oughta know
Mountains keep what mountains take
And woods don’t tell you why
But if you walk them hollers long enough
You’ll hear some things at night
So you best listen when the old folks talk
When the wind runs cold through the trees
When the dogs go quiet and the whippoorwill
Cuts sharp through the midnight breeze
Some sounds out there ain’t meant for you
And some roads you shouldn’t try
If the mountains warn you once, my son
You best listen, and pass on by
If you hear a woman cryin’ out
Somewhere deep in the pines
Soundin’ lost and callin’ help
Down a dark old mountain line
Don’t you chase that lonesome voice
Don’t you step off the track
‘Cause some things learn a human cry
Just to lure a poor soul back
Yeah you best listen when the old folks talk
When they lower their voice real low
‘Bout the things that walk them ridges
That a man ain’t meant to know
They’ll tell you plain and tell you twice
While the fire burns down to coals
There’s shadows in them hollers
That ain’t got no human souls
If you hear your name called clear as day
From the dark side of the ridge
But you know damn well you’re all alone
By the creek and the wooden bridge
Keep your boots movin’ straight ahead
Don’t turn, don’t slow your stride
‘Cause whatever’s sayin’ your name like that
Ain’t standin’ on your side
Granddad swore he seen pale lights
Floatin’ slow above the trees
Said the woods get mighty restless
When the mountain feels a breeze
So you best listen when the old folks talk
They’ve walked them trails for years
Heard strange cries in the winter fog
That’d freeze a man with fear
These hills been old since time began
And they keep their secrets tight
If the woods start talkin’ back to you
Just keep on walkin’ through the night
Fire burned down to ash and coals
Moon hung pale and white
One old man just shook his head
Said Boy, them woods ain’t right
Then he tipped his jar and looked my way
In that pale campfire light
And said You best listen
“You Best Listen” is track number 10 on the Thumper Barrel album, No. 3 Mine.
Track: You Best Listen
Album: No. 3 Mine
ISRC: QZRP52615063
ASCAP: 935192052