On the day when I was born Daddy sat down and cried
I had the mark just as plain as day; which could not be denied
They say that Cain caught Abel rollin' loaded dice;
Ace of Spades behind his ear and him not thinkin' twice

Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way

If all you got to live for is what you left behind
Get yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine
Lost my boots in transit, baby, pile of smokin' leather
I nailed a retread to my feet and prayed for better weather

Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way

They say that when your ship comes in, the first man takes the sails;
The second takes the after deck, the third the planks and rails
What's the point of callin' shots; this cue ain't straight in line
Cue ball's made of Styrofoam and no one's got the time

Halfstep, Mississippi uptown toodeloo Hello, baby, I'm gone, good-bye
Half a cup of Rock and Rye. Farewell to you old Southern skies
I'm on my way, on my way
Across the Rio Grandeeo, Across the lazy river