[Verse 1]
The Missouri is my right arm, the Ohio is my left
But I'm livin' on the Mississippi River where I like life the best
I don't mind the west coast, and I don't mind the east coast
Oh, baby, but I ain't gonna live on no coast

[Chorus]
I'm just a plain old Midwestern boy
Just gettin' by on Central time

[Verse 2]
Some people say that the Mississippi River
Is the backbone of the nation
They can say whatever they want
I won't disagree with that statement
I see people workin' hard as ever
Just wonder what I can do to make their lives better

[Chorus]
I'm just a plain old Midwestern boy
Gettin' by on Central time

[Bridge]
Well, I won't worry if the world don't like me
I won't let 'em waste my time
'Cause there ain't nothin' gonna change my mind
I'm feelin' fine
Gettin' by on Central time
[Bridge]
Come here, I won't worry if the world don't like me
I won't let 'em waste my time
There ain't nothin' gonna change my mind
I'm feelin' fine because

[Verse 1]
The Missouri is my right arm, the Ohio is my left
And I'm livin' on the Mississippi River where I like life the best
I don't mind the west coast, I sure don't mind that east coast
No, baby, but I ain't gonna live on no coast

[Chorus]
I'm just a plain old Midwestern boy
Just gettin' by on Central time
Just gettin' by on Central time
I'm gettin' by on Central time
Just gettin' by on Central time

[Outro]
Yeah, gettin' by, gettin' by on Central time
Oh, gettin' by, yeah, I'm gettin' by