I've been hanging out uptown, Lord, in that low-down rain
Watching good time Charlie, friends, is driving me insane
Up on shady Charlotte Street, Lord, the green lights look red
I wish I was back home on the farm, Lord, in my feather bed

I found myself a paper, friends; I read yesterday's news
I folded up page twenty-one and stuck it in my shoes
I gave me a nickel to the poor, my good turn for the day
I folded up my old billfold threw it far away

And I got myself a rocking chair to see if I could lose
These thin dime, hard time
To Hell on Church Street blues

I wish I had some guitar strings, Old Black Diamond brand
I'd string up this Martin box and I'd go and join somе band
But I guess I'll just stay right here and pick and sing a whilе
Try to earn me a little change, and give them folks a smile

And I got myself a rocking chair to see if I could lose
These thin dime, hard time
And I got myself a rocking chair to see if I could lose
These thin dime, hard time
To Hell on Church Street blues