[Verse 1]
The runway rushed up at him as he felt the wheels touch down
He stood out on the blacktop and took a taxi into town
He got out down on main street and went into a local bar
He bought a drink and found a seat in a corner in the dark

[Verse 2]
Well, she called up her mama to make sure the kids were out of the house
She checked herself out in the dining room mirror and undid an extra button on her blouse
He felt her lying next to him and the clock said 4:00 am
He was staring at the ceiling, he couldn't move his hands

[Chorus]
Oh, mama, mama, mama, come quick
I've got the shakes and I'm gonna be sick
Throw your arms around me in the cold dark night
Hey now, mama, don't shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light

[Verse 3]
Well, on his porch, they stretched a banner that said "Johnny, welcome home"
Bobby pulled his Ford out of the garage and they polished up the chrome
His mama said "Johnny, oh, Johnny, I'm so glad to have you back with me"
His pa' said he was sure they'd give him his job back down at the factory
[Chorus]
Now, mama, mama, mama, come quick
I've got the shakes and I'm gonna be sick
Throw your arms around me in the cold dark night
Hey now mama, don't shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light

[Verse 4]
Well, deep in the dark forest, a forest filled with rain
Beyond a stretch of Maryland pines, there's a river without a name
In the cold black water now Johnson Lanier stands
He stares across the lights of the city and dreams of where he's been

[Chorus]
Oh, mama, mama, mama, come quick
I've got the shakes and I'm gonna be sick
Throw your arms around me in the cold dark night
Hey now mama, don't shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light
Don't you shut out the light