[Verse 1]
I went down to Houston and I stopped in San Antone
I passed up the station for the bus
I was trying to find me something
But I wasn't sure just what
Man I ended up with pockets full of dust

So I went on to Cleveland and I ended up insane
I bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
And I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
Man I ended up with pockets full of cane

[Chorus]
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

[Verse 2]
I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life
Building newsprint boats I race to sewer mains
Trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that some things never change

[Chorus]
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 3]
Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south

[Chorus]
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
May you one day carry me home