Lyrics:

Emmylou Harris sings backup vocals on this track about traveling aimlessly and wanting to return home. This song has also been covered by the Zac Brown Band.
I went down to Houston and I stopped in San Antone
I passed up the station for the bus
I was trying to find me something, but I wasn't sure just what
Man, I ended up with pockets full of dust

So I went on to Cleveland and I ended up insane
I bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
And I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
Man, I ended up with pockets full of cane

Oh, my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh, my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

I ain't never been to Vegas, but I gambled up my life
Building newsprint boats I race to sewer mains
Trying to find me something, but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that some things never change

Oh, my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh, my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home


Up here in the city, it feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my lightbulb burning out
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds, they blow across the south

Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
May you one day carry me home