Free

Inspired by Lyle Lovett and an actual sign in front of a church on route 98 in upstate New York. I let the character take the story from there.

I had read somewhere that the term "devil's tattoo" refers to what the body of hanged person does and went with that as the song's premise, however, I can't locate the source to verify that now. According to Oxford, it is any nervous fidgeting that annoys the hell out of others. Well, that still fits me, anyway.

Lyrics

What's all the fuss about
With everyone clearing out
The railroad stopped running
And the businesses failed

Now the old Presbyterian
Bell doesn't ring them in
Instead it's front sign reads"Antiques for sale"

Cause the good people moved on
To much greener pastures
The good people moved on
To much higher hills

And they strung up the outlaws
And heathens they captured
But can't be sure that others
Don't follow them still

So shake on my hand, size me up
Check the counterweight
Then open that wooden door
Under my shoes

Then let the good people know
That they done what was right
As I dance to the devil's tattoo

Now the orange sky fell behind
The Lancaster County line
My last day is dying
But hasn't gone yet
And when the minister came to me
And asked me if I had seen
The white light of righteousness
Prepare to repent
Well I may not be God fearing
I may not be humble
I may not be anything
More than a bum
But at least I stood up
When the others just stumbled
Afraid of that rumble
When that dark fiddler comes

So shake on my hand, size me up
Check the counterweight
Then open that wooden door
Under my shoes
Then let the good people know
That they done what was right
As I dance to the devil's tattoo

What's all the fuss about
The new ones they've been dragging out
Danced to the piper
Who hasn't been paid
And all those pretty white houses stand
There on the fenced in land
Away from the common folk
Who've been laid to waste
So here's to the men
Who thought they could beat it
Here's to the men
Who had nothing to lose
Spat on and kicked the mob
Hungry and jeering
Feared for their pride
And the poison they choose

So shake on my hand, size me up
Check the counterweight
Then open that wooden door
Under my shoes
Then let the good people know
That they done what was right
As I dance to the devil's tattoo

Just let the good people know
That they done what was right

As I dance to the devil's tattoo