Out West

In 1931 the country was sore depressed
You left your home and loved ones rode a boxcar out west
Trying to find some work and just hoping for the best
Hardship and loneliness you hope you passed the test
And those winds sure blow hard out on the prairies
And there ain't no one to hold out on the prairies

Working in the wheat fields sweating in the sun
The boss says just one more load boys and we'll call it done
Then its off to the bunkhouse eat your beans and bread
You open up the letter that you've already read

Well its dollars in your jeans and an empty homesick heart
Working like a slave just trying for a fresh start
You see her in your memories and feel her gentle touch
And then you count your calluses and pray for some good luck

In 92 they closed the fisheries you left your family on the bay
Well your Daddy had a fishing boat but the cod all went away
They said there's work out there in the oil patch boys and we're all headed west
You hopped a plane to Edmonton put yourself to the test
And those winds they blow cold out on the prairies
And there ain't no one to hold out on the prairies

12 hour shifts on the platform and its minus 41
The driller says just one more string boys and we'll call it done
Then its off to the camp shack find a place to lay your head
And you carefully unfold the letters that you've already read
And those winds they blow damn cold out on the prairies
And there ain't no one to hold out on the prairies

Well its dollars in your jeans and an empty aching heart
Working like a slave just trying for a fresh start
You see her in your memories and feel her gentle touch
And then you count your calluses and pray for some good luck
And then you count your calluses and pray for some good luck

And those winds blow damn cold out on the prairies
Those damned winds they blow hard out on the prairies