Caught the early morning train
One-way ticket going home
Not too sure about myself
But it must be for the best

No return to Illinois
Leaving now I'm sure is right
Try to do what I can
Try to make myself a man

It's too late to change my mind
Illinois is miles behind
Too late now to go back home
Sometime soon I'll telephone

No return to Illinois
Write her soon to tell her I'm okay
Get myself a little job
Send her money every week

I'll find friends make ends meet
Before long I'll find my feet
But It's too late to change my mind
Illinois is miles behind

No return to Illinois
Write her soon to tell her I'm okay
It's too late to change my mind
Illinois is miles behind
Too late now to go back home
Sometime soon I'll telephone

No return to Illinois
Should have tried to say goodbye
It's too late to change my mind

The train that takes me through the land we knew so well
Is thrusting forth like a dagger to my heart
And as I pass through the sandy wood be
Used to roam I cry for Illinois my one true home

No returns to Illinois
Should have tried to say goodbye
It's too late to change my mind
Illinois is miles behind