Old 97s - You Were Born to Be in Battle Lyrics

It's the spring of your time
And the time has come
The open road receives you
Won't you roll to a stop
Won't you gaze at the drop
And the awful miles below you?

Take care where you step
Don't you know that it Death
And Life and Love you straddle
Stay right if you can
Oh, you poor old man
You were born to be in battle

In the summer you'll find
That you road ruse aside
A tangled man-made thicket
Take care you don't lean
Dip your toes in the stream
That sweeps away the wicked

Survey all you see
'Cause there's still time to leave
The briar and the bramble
Stay right if you can
Oh, you poor old man
You were born to be in battle

In the fall of your time
You're astounded to find
So much is now behind you
With kids of your own
You'll be scared 'fore you know
Just walk the dark and mind you

Tell them what I told you
In days of your youth
What's well with whom you travel
Stay right if you can
Oh, you poor old man
You were born to be in battle

In the winter of life
You'll be asked for your light
Lay down, all forts surrender
And all that is you
That is precious and true
Is the awful price you'll tender

And I will look on
But I long for you, son
Don't tarry there, don't amble
Stay right if you can
Oh, you poor old man

You were born to be in battle