No One Can Love You Dear
Lonesome River Band
transcribed by Logan Gibbons

Capo 3

No one can love you, dear, the way I do

I can’t help but wonder if it could ever be
You’d put your little hand in mine and give your heart to me
I promise I’ll be true to you and swear you’ll never find
No better man could love you, no better heart than mine

You know that I have always loved you
I hope someday you’ll love me too
Don’t trust your heart to another
No one can love you, dear, the way I do

Another’s lips may kiss you, and promise to be true
He may bring you diamonds and pretty flowers too
When those flowers wilt and fade, diamonds fail to shine
You’ll realize his love could never be as true as mine

The Crime I Didn’t Do
Lonesome River Band

I was raised in a small mill town, a factory worker’s son
Left my home and family at the age of 21

I set out to find my way in a strange and distant town
Hadn’t been there a year or more when trouble came around

I operate an old punch press, work all by myself
I make no friends or enemies, just parts from 4 to 12;
just parts from 4 to 12

One night as I was walking home, I heard an awful sound
Footsteps running out of sight by the time I turned around

Shaken by the dreadful scene, it came into my sight
A young man lying cold and still, beneath the dim street light

Dear Mother, say a prayer for me, and please try not to cry
I swear to you I killed no one, but I had no alibi;
Lord, I had no alibi

Now I’m a hunted fugitive, running for my life
A wanted man ain’t got a chance when he has no place to hide

I know someday they’ll find me, and I know that when they do
I’ll have to pay the penalty for a crime I didn’t do;
For a crime I didn’t do

INTRO: G – D – C – G

C – D – G – C – D – C – G

There was a time when you would hang on every word I’d say
I’d call to say “I love you” and we’d talk the night away
Communication’s breaking down, You’re changin’ I can tell
Seems to me I might as well be talkin’ to myself

Pain and misery I’ve never seen before
Darlin’ could it be you don’t love me anymore
You’re standin’ here before me, but your mind is somewhere else
It’s plain to see I might as well be talkin’ to myself

I’m pleading with you darlin’ as you’re walkin’ out the door
You hear the words I say, but you don’t listen anymore
I fear the worst has happened, Could it be there’s someone else
I can see I might as well be talkin’ to myself

Swing that hammer, break that rock, Lord, that ol’ sun is hot
And the shackles that I wear fit too tight
I ain’t see nobody smile out on this ol’ rock pile
And they’ll knock you down if you don’t do it right

Now hard times go so slow, and I’ve got ten to go
I’m a number now, I don’t have a name
But there ain’t no need to whine, This ball and chain is mine
There ain't no way to stop this burnin’ pain

At night old memories show, Cold steel is so cold
It’s lonesome time when they turn out the light
These walls are grim and gray, Tomorrow’s another day
To swing my hammer down with all my might