Everything was in the pickup [bad word] 
He packed a bag and mama said good luck
In California, California

Papa told him that he shouldn’t go
Said “I don’t wanna say I told you so”
But Joe I warned ya! 
Joe I warned you

Joe, did you know?
Did you think about your chances out there?
Are you scared?
What do ya think you’re gonna find?
Did you mind go a-missing? Use your senses
Oh Joe, don’t you know the world isn’t kind?

And the further you get
And the deeper you go
The more you will find yourself alone
The higher you fly, the harder you fall

So you never looked back
And you went on your way
And I never tried to make you stay
But the longer you’re standing proud and tall
The harder you still fall

Joe was never like the other boys
While they were drinking beer and making noise
Joe was quiet, sad and quiet

Suzie prayed that Joey might propose
But all he left her was a note he wrote
That said, “I’m hiding, I’m tired of hiding”

Joe did you know
That she loved you more than breathing air
Is it fair to leave her to cry alone?
 [bad word] away!
But remember who you’re leaving
Oh Joe, don’t you know that you’re gonna find

And the further you get
And the deeper you go
The more you will find yourself alone
The higher you fly, the harder you fall

So you never looked back
And you went on your way
And I never tried to make you stay
But the longer you’re standing proud and tall
The harder you will fall

Guess it’s been about a year or so
Since anybody heard a word from Joe
I hope he’s happy, safe and happy

Now I think about him everyday
And how I never got the chance to say
I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry

Joe, did you know
That we never meant to hurt you or your pride?
Joe I tried, but I never understood your pain
Joe I pray, that the Lord and all the angels keep you safe
Joe I pray you stay by your side