Johnny Cash - The Good Earth lyrics

The good earth swallows up the seed
And swallows life as well
From long before the day you're born
Till heaven comes or hell
It binds your hands with chains of clay
That are so hard to break
But when I left good earth behind
I made a big mistake

I've traveled far and traveled wide
I've seen a lot of things
But looking back on all the years
I don't know what they mean
Like steel I'm probably stronger from
Going through the fire
I kept on climbing lower
Digging deeper to get higher

I turned around one evening when
The sun was going down
I heard the Bible told a preacher
Who just pulled into town
At last I'm back on good earth
Where I should have always been
Lord forgive me if I ever try
To leave good earth again

Well the good earth was my
Mama and my daddy too
Now I'm working my hands in soil
Trying to pay my due
And when I'll breathe my last breath
Which may not be too long
Just shovel a little good earth over my head
Tell everybody to open up the hymn
Book and sing a happy song

Shall we gather at the river in
The sweet by and by
Just as I am Jesus loves me
One of these days I'll fly
I'm standing on the promises Lord
Build the place for me
In the good earth over Jordan
By the Sea of Galilee