Eight million miles from Buffalo two score and three more year
I've waltzed across some finish lines, I've drowned in my own tears
But I wonder what they'll speak of me- not worried I will hear
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac

I've made my way with melody writing many a song
They give me some celebrity make me feel like I belong
But as good as they have been to me, not one will ride along
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac
When I lay down in the back of that long, long black Cadillac

I believed I was God's messenger, my mission right as rain
See I'd come to soothe the savages, I sing to ease their pain
Well I'll have preached for nothin' should this foolish pride remain
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac

Some nights as I may serenade, rough maidens stand and stare
I like the way they look at me, I fancy that they care
But even if they love me true, how many will be there
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac'
When I lay down in the back of that long, long, long black Cadillac
All the years of sailing all the fears of failing
All just echoes trailing off
Close the final chapter on all the things you're after
Say a prayer of thanks they're lost
I hope to roam ten million miles from the place where I've begun
And stride into the hazy night, and stand beneath the sun
But God help me if it matters just how much I've gotten done
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac

Shed only tears of joy for me, bright flowers only send
Cause I will give up gracefully when this life's at an end
See I know I'll get another chance to ride around again I know I'll rise again
When I lay down in the back of that long black Cadillac
When I lay down in the back of that long, long, long black Cadillac