I hiked into the canyon, I worshipped with the whales

Read Steinbeck to the redwoods, and Walden round the trails

I tasted two great oceans and I sifted desert sands

In caverns chill, on wooded hill I vowed to love this land.

But all the forest said was, “Hug your own damn tree

You think that we don’t care, and you’re as right as you can be

You brought no spark to lift the dark that’s just before the dawn

So keep moving on, moving on, moving on.”

I searched for inspiration from the brave, the dead, the free

I murmured in Manhattan, and I knelt at Wounded Knee

I traced the secret railway and the names upon the wall

And I yearned for Reverend King to come back and lead us all.

But all the preacher said was, “Have your own damn dream

You think the ocean notices each earnest little stream?

Pride and shame are just a game that’s over when you’re gone

So keep moving on, moving on, moving on.”

From Carnegie to Graceland, paid my reverence to the muse

I drifted round the Delta sound, still pregnant with the blues

I went down to the crossroads on a Mississippi night

I baited my old six string and I waited for a bite.

But all the devil said was, “Tune your own damn axe

You think that I’m so short of souls I need more two bit hacks?

I can tell you’re dying to sell your queen out for a pawn

So keep moving on, moving on, moving on.”

I was weary from my travels, too lost and tired to roam

When I found a tent revival and I prayed to make it home

This futile road and aching load would soon come to an end

And gentle rest with pilgrims blest the Lord to me would send.

But all St. Peter said was, “Save your own damn soul

Get off the property, and don’t come back until you’re told

It’s not for you to pick your time, or say your journey’s done

So keep moving on, moving on, moving on.”

Chords: (4/4)

   D                        G                    D

I hiked into the canyon, I worshipped with the whales

       D                             A

Read Steinbeck to the redwoods, and Walden round the trails

   D                             G             D

I tasted two great oceans and I sifted desert sands

    G                 D             A                  D

In caverns chill, on wooded hill I vowed to love this land.

    G                                  Em   A    D

But all the forest said was, “Hug your own damn tree

     D                   G                   Em               A

You think that we don’t care, and you’re as right as you can be

      D                  G                    A               D

You brought no spark to lift the dark that’s just before the dawn

               Em         A          D     A   D

So keep moving on, moving on, moving on.”