[Verse 1]
The levis that I'm wearing have been good to me
They just won't admit they're growing old
Though my shirt's made contact with the gutter now and then
At least it keeps my body from the cold

[Verse 2]
Thank God folks back home in Harlan County
Can't see what success has done to me
Would you believe the kids in Harlan High School
Voted me most likely to succeed?

[Chorus]
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
If I buy the bread, I can't afford the wine
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Wishing I had lived some other time

[Verse 3]
I wasn't here too long before I met her
And the lady, she really swept me off my feet
And she stayed just long enough to make me love her
And now they're sweeping me up off the street

[Verse 4]
My mama thinks I've really hit the big time
She's written every day since I've been gone
But she doesn't know that 109 West Charlotte
Is the address of the westside mission home
[Chorus]
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
If I buy the bread, I can't afford the wine
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Wishing I had lived some other time