I was just a kid of sixteen I wasn't even grown I was looking for a new direction A road to call my own And I found it in the songs of Woody Guthrie Of the lost and dispossessed I found it in the arms of the night-time girls Who held me to their breast I did not care for fortune I did not care for fame I threw away a lot of kindness I only have myself to blame For there were some who gave me shelter And some who eased my way But no matter what they offered They could never make me stay It was all I ever wanted All I ever knew To ride that endless highway And sing my songs for you And some will make you promises But that doesn't make it true Nothing is for nothing You have to pay your dues And now my pocket's empty And the reckoning is made I owe nobody nothing 'Cause every bill is paid It was all I ever wanted All I ever knew To ride that endless highway And sing my songs for you I've not made it yet to journey's end But I know the day will come When I look down that endless highway And I turn and head for home And I'll pass the dream to someone new And help them on their way I'll shake their hands and wish them well And watch them walk away It was all I ever wanted All I ever knew To ride that endless highway And sing my songs for you