I packed up my bags
Put in my favorite Levis
Laid my mandolin beside the door
Said to momma
I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark
Bought a ticket to New York City
One way out and no return
I watched the sun go down
Across the plains from Denver
Lord, how the western sky can burn

Met a boy in the darkness
Handsome, tall and heartless
I loved him like an eagle loves the wind
Till I heard him say
I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark

I'll be alright
And you'll be fine without me
I'll be home before dark

My daughter looks like him they say
To me she looks like momma
I see an eagle's shadow in her eyes

Last night at her birthday
We blew the candles out together
I wonder will she take me by surprise
When she says momma
I won't be long
Don't worry about me
I'll be home before dark

I'll be alright
And you'll be fine without me
I'll be home before dark
I'll be home before dark