[Verse 1] Sun's barely up on the gravel road Michael Hinze saddles up, ready to go His horse knows the way through the morning dew Past the oak fence and the sky so blue He's got a factory waiting down the line But first he's got a friend to find [Chorus] Riding to the cheese factory, hooves on the ground Through Helen Crane's place where good folks are found Pick up Zanel, then we're rolling free Two friends and a horse to the cheese factory It's a simple kind of day, the way it ought to be Riding to the cheese factory [Verse 2] Helen Crane's porch comes into view White paint chipping, flower boxes too Zanel's standing there with a grin and a wave "Took you long enough," she likes to say She climbs up behind with a laugh so bright And they head on out in the golden light [Chorus] Riding to the cheese factory, hooves on the ground Through Helen Crane's place where good folks are found Pick up Zanel, then we're rolling free Two friends and a horse to the cheese factory It's a simple kind of day, the way it ought to be Riding to the cheese factory [Bridge] The wind in the willow, the creek running low The smell of the clover where the wildflowers grow They talk about nothing, they talk about all The cheese won't make itself, but there's no need to haul Sometimes the journey's better than the place When you've got good company and an easy pace [Chorus] Riding to the cheese factory, hooves on the ground Through Helen Crane's place where good folks are found Pick up Zanel, then we're rolling free Two friends and a horse to the cheese factory It's a simple kind of day, the way it ought to be Riding to the cheese factory [Outro] The factory's waiting just over the hill But Michael and Zanel, they're taking it still One hoof at a time on the road they know That's the way the best days go