Riding to New York

Well, I met him in Minnesota
 He was dark and overcast
 With long, grey hair and eyes that stared
 Through me like I was glass
 I asked "Where are you going to?"
 He said, "I'm the wind, I'm just blowing through"
 He lit up a cigarette and began to talk
 "See, the doctors told me that my body won't hold me
 My lungs are turning black
 Been a lucky strike's fool since I was at school
 And there ain't no turning back
 They can't tell me how long I've got
 Maybe months, but maybe not
 I'm taking this bike and riding to New York
 'Cause I wanna see my granddaughter one last time
 Wanna hold her close
 And feel her tiny heartbeat next to mine
 Wanna see my son and the man he's become
 Tell him I'm sorry for the things I've done
 And I'd do it if I had to walk
 ♪
 I'm taking this bike and riding to New York
 ♪
 Through the forests of Wisconsin
 That I knew as a boy
 Past the sky line of Chicago
 'Round the lakes of Illinois
 I lay my head in a motel bed
 Where my back is sore and my eyes turn red
 Listen to the trucks roll past my door
 Through the fields of Ohio
 As the sunshine paints them gold
 I run just like a river runs, rapid, quick and cold
 And fly through Pennsylvania and the Jersey turnpike tolls
 And I won't stop 'till I get to New York
 
 'Cause I wanna see my grandson one last time
 Wanna see his eyes sparkling and stare back into mine
 Now my time is shorter
 I wanna see my daughter
 Tell her I'm sorry for the things taught her
 And I'd do it if I had to walk
 Oh, I'm taking this bike and riding to New York
 ♪
 And I'd go up to the churchyard one last time
 Lay flowers down for the woman
 Who gave me the best years of my life
 And I'd do it if I had to walk
 I'd do it if I had to walk
 ♪
 I'm taking this bike and riding to New York