[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