[Verse 1]
Well, Johnson Van Dyke Grigsby was paroled at eighty-nine
He never walked on a carpet, never tasted dinner wine
His old eyes were slowly fading as he walked out of the gate
And he breathed the first free air he'd breathed since 1908

[Chorus]
Howdy do, Michigan City, you're sure a pretty sight
But I know there's bigger cities and more exciting nights
But I think your girls are pretty and I love your children too
Michigan City, Indiana, howdy do
Michigan City, Indiana, howdy do

[Verse 2]
Filled with the joy of freedom, he didn't know that he was old
'Cause time don't really matter when it's bubbling in your soul
Well, I don't think he was bitter 'cause he sure had a smile
And down the streets of Michigan City, he walked his first free mile

[Chorus]
Howdy do, Michigan City, you're sure a pretty sight
But I know there's bigger cities and more exciting nights
But I think your girls are pretty and I love your children too
Michigan City, Indiana, howdy do
Michigan City, Indiana, howdy do