Lyrics of 'Whenever Kindness Fails' by Joe Ely

I crossed the desert in a dining car
In the Spring on '91
Met some people drinkin' at the bar
They were laughing having fun
I told them that I hadn't heard the joke
That was so hilarious
They said that I was just a dumb cowpoke
I didn't want to make a fuss

So I shot 'em down
One by one
Then I left them along the rails
I used my gun whenever kindness fails

The moon was in the sign of Scorpio
The sun was at my back
I didn't know how far the train would go
Until the law would find my track
I saw the brakeman and the engineer
Drinkin' wine and eatin' brie
I asked them who would brake and who would steer
They started pointing back at me

So I shot 'em down
One by one
Then I left them along the rails
I only used my gun whenever kindness fails

I only have a moment to explain
Just a chance to let you know
When its time for you to board the train
There are two ways you can go
You can ride the wheels into the sun
Feel the cool wind on your face
Or you can laugh into a loaded gun
And you'll likely loose your place

Yeah I shot 'em down
One by one
And I left them along the rails
Now I only use my gun whenever kindness fails

Oh, I shot 'em down
One by one
And I left them along the rails
When I use my gun that lonesome whistle wails