Dangerous spirits are at large in the hills
Cold dark wings is in the air
Some have been lost to the shadows within the light
Some are beyond the reach of prayer
I myself have stood with the ravens in the rain
A darkness in my heart, a younger face
With a stolen chestnut mare and a blue navy colt
I was above the law, outside the bounds of grace
With a pistol in my hand and no kindness in my eyes
I wore these as a badge, high fashion
But I had to walk away from the powder and the flame
The reason was not fear it was compassion
I let my revolver fall from my hands
And put on the old coat of a pilgrim
And now there is more to me than between my hat and boots
And the treasures I own no one can steal them
Now I stand in the dirt with the dust on my boots
The road that I choose is less travelled
The flag that I follow is full of holes and torn
Ah, its sacred threads can never be unraveled
And I have met a woman who is in my breath and bones
She’s at ease in either calico or leather
She prays to a god who does not hurt or hate
She wears earrings of crystals and feathers
Since I left my revolver in the dirt
I have known peace since that hour
And now I see my life passing before my eyes
As a petal falls from a flower
Ah but there are dangerous spirits at large in the hills
Cold dark wings is in the air
Some have been lost to the shadows within the light
Some are beyond the reach of prayer