I wrote and recorded this (with my old trusty 4 track cassette deck and toy keyboard) back in 1984 with Willie Nelson in mind.

Tried every which way to get it to Willie at various intervals since then. Well, maybe I’ll scrape the mold off it and try again.

I think it would make a good “sunset years” song, don’t you think?

Willie, call me.

Year Composed:1984

These shoes - they've been so many places

They've seen so many faces

They've run the many races of life

Oh, what a life

These shoes -they've been around so long

They surely must be strong

And if someone came along and said they're weak

They would speak...

(and say):

  "We've walked so many miles over dusty roads and trials

  And we've learned how to survive through thick and thin...

  And though we might not look too strong we just keep moving along

  we've outlived every storm that we've been in - we always win

These shoes-they may need a little mending

The soles are cracked and bending

But no amount of spending can compare

To what is there

  These shoes have seen some days, some with sunshine, some with haze

  And they've learned how to survive and do without

  And though they might not look too strong, they just keep moving along

  And isn't that what life is all about? Without a doubt

These shoes - how much longer 'till they know

That they're moving much too slow

And it's time for them to go where they must go?

Where old shoes go

Home