We was took to cotton and the cows all took to dry
What the varmints left behind, the sun took up to die
Trouble took to daddy like dew drops take to night
Mama took to crying a lot and daddy took to wine

And I took the train outta there
I told the engineer I don't believe there's no help handy
Heaven help the tie that binds the family

Sister took to walking, and brother, he took to crying
Mama took up newfound friends and I took up with crime
Hatred took the nighttime and the government took the day
What the hands refused to do, sister learned for pay

And I took the train outta there
I told the engineer I don't believe there's no help handy
Looks like only God can save the family

Flowers took to daddy, and daddy, he took to God
Sister took to black real nice and mama cried alone
Brother took up preaching and the bank man took the farm
The state came and took mama away so she can do no harm

And I took the train outta there
I told the engineer I don't believe there's no help handy
Heaven help the tie that binds the family
And I took the train outta there
I told the engineer I don't believe there's no help handy
Looks like even God can't save the family