#93 Mexican Chickens
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While much of the narrative on this record remains strictly factual, this particular song is different. I’ve created a composite and fictionalized parts of the story to protect the privacy of real people. However, I’ve kept the account of my own actions accurate, as it’s important for me to take responsibility and make amends. For this reason there is no background for this song. The lyrics tell the rest of the story, reflecting my journey and the consequences of my actions.
Mexican Chickens
Went out the door
Into the morning darkness
Gravel under foot
Heard the screen door gently close
I slid across the seat
Steering wheel was cold
Tiny icicles on the glass
In the corner of the windows
The desert air was dry
They were melted in the instant
I pulled on to the highway
And I began cry
I was leaving her behind
Was really for the best
I had something deep inside
Boundless anger without reason
We all got someone we left behind
Cause we’re just weren’t right in our hearts and our minds
Yeah we all got someone we were lucky to find in the first place
We all got someone we never treated right
We were selfish and the drinking staying out all night
We all got someone we were lucky to find in the first place
When she awakes
I hope she’s not sad
Loved her from the first time
I laid my eyes upon her
Got a little house
Drove a truck played in a band
Got some Mexican chickens
And we raised them on our land
Talked of having little girls
They’d have their mothers little curls
It was more than a dream
Yeah one day they’d be real
I played out on the road
At first she came along
Sang the harmonies mixed the sound
Sold the albums and the singles
I hung out in the bar
Drinking until the closing time
I was foolish I was selfish
I’d find her sleeping in the car
We all got someone we left behind
Cause we’re just weren’t right in our hearts and our minds
Yeah we all got someone we were lucky to find in the first place
We all got someone we never treated right
We were selfish and the drinking staying out all night
We all got someone we were lucky to find in the first place
She went back to our house
To feed and raise the animals
We slowly grew apart
And I was growing meaner
I drank when I got up
Cause motel room was hot
Or something stupid I had done
I was lonely for my girl
There was always someone else
And then there was another
I could barely stand myself
I was stoned all the time
When I finally came back home
She said something changed inside you
I smashed a glass against the wall
Went out walking in the desert
When I come on back
She was sleeping peacefully
I knew that she was better
Better off without me
The little girls were there
I saw their faces in her hair
But now it was clear
I would never be their father
I put on my coat and hat
Slid the dead bolt in the hasp
Took one last look back at her
I stepped across the threshold
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Bryan Howard: bass
David Lowery: guitar and vocals
Carlton Owens: drums
Matt “Pistol” Stoessel: pedal steel
Megan Slankard: backing vocals
300 Songs 
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