From the recording From Infinity To Here (deluxe version)
Lyrics & Music by Terry McClain & Ashlie Jewel
Terry McClain: Banjo, percussion, mellotron, vocals
Ashlie Jewel: Bass, vocals
Sammy Baker: Drums
Mixed by Ricky Martini, Terry McClain and Ashlie Jewel
Lyrics
Shaker Joe
In his eyes, coffee grounds
Never sleeps and won't shut down
With his feet, they tap in time
And a limerick rhymes
Not much left, he won't ask for more
On his chest the names he adored
When he shipped away, he never let go
Have you heard the tale of Shaker Joe
Letters home from overseas
Pass away your time with me
Pictures of his son and wife
Are what's keeping Shaker Joe alive
One more tour in a sold out war
Caffeine stains on his uniform
Wide awake never on a break
On his final days
Last day comes, a minor plea
a grave mistake happened to be
with a mournful cry and a clumsy guy
the ground it drank his morning crank
Letter home from overseas
He passed away there with me
A locket from such a jovial mind
Goodbye and thanks to his son and wife
Oooh Shaker Joe, I knew Shaker Joe