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Branded
Marty Stuart Lyrics
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Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name
Spent some time in San Francisco locked up for vagrancy
I busted out a time or two took a run at getting free
Turned me loose and the man said I'll dog you to the end of the line
Well I'm branded wherever I go
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name
The trouble with the truth it always comes around
Seems to be there waiting for me in every town
Well I'm guilty of the crime of trying to get back home
Don't want to bother nobody just want to be left alone
Well I'm branded wherever I go
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
With a number by my name
The song "Branded" by country artist Marty Stuart tells the story of a man who is constantly being recognized and judged by his past. Despite his attempts to outrun his reputation, he is "branded" wherever he goes with a bad story that everyone seems to know. He might as well be wearing a ball and chain, as he is constantly followed by the consequences of his past actions. Everywhere he travels, he sees his picture with a number by his name, emphasizing his status as a criminal.
The lyrics also indicate that the singer has been in trouble with the law before, as he mentions being locked up for vagrancy in San Francisco. Despite attempts to escape, he was caught and forced to serve his time in jail. However, even after being released, he is still haunted by his past actions, as the authorities warn him that they will "dog" him to the end of the line.
The lyrics suggest that the theme of the song is about the consequences of one's actions and the difficulty of escaping the past. Despite his attempts to move on and start fresh, the singer is constantly judged by his past actions and reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm branded wherever I go
I am constantly associated with my past and cannot escape it no matter where I am.
Trying to outrun a bad story everybody seems to know
I am attempting to avoid the negative reputation that has been attached to me, but it seems to follow me wherever I go.
Might as well be wearing a ball and chain
The burden of my past is so heavy that it feels as if I am being dragged down by it like a ball and chain.
Cause everywhere I travel see my picture
No matter where I go, people recognize me from my past and associate me with my previous mistakes.
With a number by my name
My past has left a permanent mark on me that cannot be erased, as evidenced by the number assigned to me.
Spent some time in San Francisco locked up for vagrancy
I was arrested and imprisoned in San Francisco for the crime of being homeless and wandering aimlessly.
I busted out a time or two took a run at getting free
I attempted to escape from prison a few times in an effort to regain my freedom.
They put me back in the jailhouse I finished serving my time
My escape attempts were unsuccessful and I eventually completed my sentence and was released from prison.
Turned me loose and the man said I'll dog you to the end of the line
After being released from prison, the authorities warned me that they would continue to closely monitor my actions and could potentially take further legal action against me.
The trouble with the truth it always comes around
I cannot hide from the consequences of my past actions, as the truth will always find a way to catch up with me.
Seems to be there waiting for me in every town
No matter where I go, my past mistakes are always present and waiting to catch up with me.
Well I'm guilty of the crime of trying to get back home
Despite my attempts to escape my past, I am still judged and punished for trying to return to the place where I feel most comfortable and safe.
Don't want to bother nobody just want to be left alone
All I want is to live my life in peace and solitude, without the constant reminders of my past mistakes and the scrutiny of others.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MARTY STUART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind