Welfare Line
The Highwaymen Lyrics

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Well now, boys I've been to Bethlehem,
Rode there on a big steam train.
Lost two fenders in the steel wheels,
And I ain't goin' back again.

I fought for my country,
Lord knows I did my best.
Crawlin' cross some foreign field,

They pinned a ribbon to my chest.

So pass around the bottle boys,
Let's talk about old times.
Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin,
Here on the welfare line.

Served on a Georgia road gang,
Couldn't pay the debts I owed.
'Cos I ain't made of silver,
And I ain't ever seen no gold.

I still remember Rachel,
Soft as a velvet gown.
They laid her in a pauper's grave,
On the other side of town.

So pass around the bottle boys,
Let's talk about old times.
Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin,
Here on the welfare line.

Now some folks are born to money,
You know I wish 'em well.
If the devil should ever want my soul,
I swear I'd never sell.

So pass around the bottle boys,
Let's talk about old times.

Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin,
Here on the welfare line.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Highwaymen's song Welfare Line paint a picture of a struggling, blue-collar individual who has experienced a lifetime of hardships and disappointments. The opening verse tells the story of the singer's trip to Bethlehem on a steam train, where he lost two fenders in the steel wheels. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer reflects on his tough luck and rough road.

The second verse references the singer's service in the military and his receipt of a medal for his service. Despite his bravery and sacrifice, the singer finds himself on the welfare line, struggling to make ends meet. This verse speaks to the difficult reality that many veterans face when returning home, as they struggle to find employment and support themselves.

The chorus, with the repeated line "pass around the bottle boys, let's talk about old times," highlights the shared sense of struggle and camaraderie that exists among those on the welfare line. The song closes with the singer expressing a sense of resignation about his difficult circumstances, while also asserting his own integrity and determination to maintain his dignity.

Overall, Welfare Line is a poignant commentary on the struggles of working-class Americans, and their ability to find meaning and connection in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Well now, boys I've been to Bethlehem,
I have experienced hardship and traveled far

Rode there on a big steam train.
My journey was not easy, but I made it there

Lost two fenders in the steel wheels,
I faced obstacles along the way

And I ain't goin' back again.
I refuse to relive that hardship

I fought for my country,
I have served my country

Lord knows I did my best.
I gave it my all

Crawlin' cross some foreign field,
I risked my life in battle on unfamiliar land

They pinned a ribbon to my chest.
I was recognized for my bravery and service

So pass around the bottle boys,
Let's share a drink and reminisce

Let's talk about old times.
Let's remember the past

Night's rollin' in, it's cold as sin,
It's getting dark and cold, just like our situation