I was driving west on 80
with a root beer in my hand
grabbed if from the cooler
feeling something like a man
the sign said Van Meter
birthplace of Bobby Feller
next sign said De Soto
birthplace of John Wayne

but I drive on
and on and on
got places to get to
and gasoline to burn

but someday I’m gonna pull of in Van Meter
throw a rock against the barn
yell Bobby Feller’s name
and someday I’m gonna pull off in De Soto
jump up on a horse
in honor of John Wayne

Bobby Feller he threw the hardball
harder than any man
big strong hitters cursed him
wish he’d stayed down on the farm
maybe there’s a statue
of him in the park
but I’ve got business in Lincoln
and it’s getting dark

and someday I’m gonna pull off of the interstate
cruise the backroads
and learn to use my brakes
and someday I’m gonna find out what’s between
Des Moines and Omaha
Salt Lake and Cheyenne

Next Conoco has midgrade
dollar thirty-two
just time enough to fill up
get a black coffee to go
I just crossed Middle River
it’d be nice to take a swim
the next time I pass this way
maybe I’ll jump in

someday I’m gonna pull of in Van Meter
throw a rock against the schoolhouse
yell Bobby Fellers name
and someday I’m gonna pull off in De Soto
jump up on a pony
in honor of John Wayne

and I drive on
and on and on

(lyrics: Dan Bern)