(Emmylou Harris/Paul Kennerley)

I hear the sound of sorrow in the wind 
Blowing down from every mile I've ever been 
Calling me out on some road that just won't end 
Where the sweetheart rides the rodeo again 

A thousand nights a thousand towns I took the bows 
But there is no compensation for me now 
Out along the highway where the west was won 
No matter how fast I ride or far I run 

Waiting for the sweetheart of the rodeo 
They're comin' down from Tonopah to Tupelo 
She'll come to town to ride the radio 
Like she's slidin' down the walls of Jericho 
There goes the sweetheart of the rodeo 

I stepped into the light you left behind 
I stood there where all the world could see me shine 
Oh I was on my way to you to make you mine 
But I took the longest road that I could find