James McMurtry
The Band of Heathens
Ray Benson
Charlie Musselwhite
Bobby Bare
Radney Foster
Tom Russell
Tim Easton
Scott H. Biram
Slaid Cleaves
Walt Wilkins
Shinyribs
Rod Picott
Jon Dee Graham
Terri Hendrix
Chris Fullerton
Jonathan Tyler
Rodney Crowell
[Verse 1]
I'm wearing old boots with high Cuban heels
Our souls, they are worn and we stand here by grace
My trousers are torn, my jacket is borrowed
And I'm wearing my time behind the eyes in my face
[Chorus]
And I'm not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses 'round their necks
I don't want four roses or water
I'm not looking for God, I'm not looking for sex
[Verse 2]
I've worn out my welcome in certain small circles
In Spanish bordellos and confederate states
But there is an angel in leathers and kindness
She whispers my name and she smiles at my fate
[Chorus]
And I'm not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses 'round their necks
I don't want four roses or water
I'm not looking for God, I'm not looking for sex
[Verse 3]
And all the true believers are out on the road tonight
No matter what happens, you know they'll be okay
And to the rock and roll gypsies, may the last song you sing
Be by Mr. Van Zandt when you're down in old Santa Fe
[Verse 4]
Now I have a mission and a small code of honor:
To stand and deliver by whatever measures
And the message I give you, it's by this old poet Rilke
He said "Our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures"
[Chorus]
And I'm not looking for loose diamonds
Or pretty girls with crosses 'round their necks
I don't want four roses or water
I'm not looking for God, I'm just wonderin' what's next
The Messenger was written by Ray Wylie Hubbard.
James McMurtry released The Messenger on Fri Aug 16 2019.