*First line is artist name. 1968. This song was written by John Hartford after watching Dr. Zhivago. He was inspired by the film and personal life events. This legendary artist from Arkansas recorded it the following year. Between the two artists, the song won 3 Grammy awards. It was also named to BMI's Top 100 Songs of the Century. This artist described the song as an essay on life and was knocked out by the scenery it describes. It's also been described as a hobo love song.