[Verse 1: Steve Earle]
When you're walkin' in LA
Everybody knows that you're down
Nobody walks anywhere any other way
In this lonesome town
Nothing separating you in the street
But a dollar and the shoes on your feet
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA

[Verse 2: Steve Earle & Johnny Bush, Steve Earle]
When you're walkin' in LA
Ain't nobody knows you're alive
'Cause you're only as good in this city, they say
As the car you drive
Rolling by all shiny and new
And there's nothing that a poor boy can do
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA

[Bridge 1: Steve Earle]
Eighteen-wheelers rolling by upon the 405
Well I ain't going anywhere 'cause I ain't got a ride
[Verse 3: Steve Earle & Johnny Bush, Steve Earle]
When you're walkin' in LA
Everybody passes you by
Maybe glance up in the rearview mirror and say
Who's that poor guy?
Then you're staring at the taillights again
Of a Lexus or a Mercedes Benz
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA

[Fiddle and Guitar Solos]

[Bridge 2: Steve Earle, Johnny Bush]
Ladies and Gentlemen, Johnny Bush
Weekend warriors cruising up and down the boulevard
Back to work on Monday morning, think they've got it hard

[Verse 4: Steve Earle & Johnny Bush]
When you're walkin' in LA
You might as well lay down and die
'Cause nothing's gonna be alright anyway
No matter how hard you try
A pedestrian in Beverly Hills
Ain't got any place to go but downhill
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
[Outro: Steve Earle & Johnny Bush]
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA
When you're walkin' in LA

When you're walkin' in LA