Empty Hands

[Verse 1] In the shadows of the smokestacks Through the black snow that lay on the land Walked home one winter’s morning My life saving’s in my hand [Verse 2] Maryanne she’s fixin’ up some breakfast Got the lights out on the Christmas tree Instead of lookin’ up at an angel Was somethin’ dyin’ inside of me [Verse 3] Grew up with great expectations Heard the promise and I knew the plan They say people get what they deserve But Lord sometimes it’s much worse than that [Verse 4] Maryanne she’s takin’ in some laundry Got a part time job in a drive-in stand Oh Lord what did I do To deserve these empty hands? [Chorus] Across the cities Across this land Through the valleys And across the sand Too many people standing in line Too many people with nothing planned There’s too many people With empty hands [Instrumental Break]                 [Verse 5] Now Maryanne’s been cryin’ Lord knows I love her the best I can When my pride is bruised and broken She slips her hand into my empty hands [Verse 6] Without hope without love You’ve got nothin’ but pain Just makes a man not give a damn That ain’t no way for us to live We’ve got to fill these empty hands [Chorus] Across the cities Across this land Through the valleys And across the sand Too many people standing in line Too many people with nothing planned There’s too many people With empty hands