John Wesley Harding - Write What You Know Lyrics

I been writing a book for my ghosts
In return for the times that they did it for me
I been staying up into the night
The police have been helping me with my inquiries
They've taken my statement
And read through my diary
They say that the case is closed
And you should write what you know

They sat me in front of the judge
He said: 'Just look around you and open your eyes
What's wrong with the things that you see?
Here is the verdict, a word to the wise
There's no need to make up
Those outrageous lies...'
He read out the sentence so slow
'Write what you know'

I said: 'I been singing a song from a dream
Like a letter that's sent for the pleasure of sending
I don't care if it ever gets there
Or if it goes round the world on a road never-ending
I try hard to please you
Without condescending.'
The Jury said 'Let that man go
Write what he knows!'