I left my home in Norfolk Virginia
California on my mind
Caught a bus and rode past Raleigh
On across Caroline

We had motor trouble, it turned into a struggle
Half way cross Alabam
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown Birmingham

Straight off, I bought me a through-train ticket
Halfway cross Alabam
I didn't go and I rode that sucker
All the way down yonder land

Somebody help me get out of Mississippi
Just help me get to Houston town
There's people there who care a little 'bout me
And they won't let the poor boy down

Sure as I'm born, they bought me a silk suit
Put money in my hands
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land

Right away had me t-bone steak a la carte so lean
Flying over to the golden state
The pilot told me it won't be long
Wed be headin' in the terminal gate
I know what I'm gonna do soon as I leave this plane
Headed for the telephone call back home and this is what I'm sayin':
"Operator, won't you please dial Tidewater four ten oh nine
This is the poor boy callin' from the promised land"