[Verse 1]
Left Los Angeles a short while ago
Flew 'cross the country back to Buffalo
Walked around through the sleet and the snow
With a red bandana on my head

[Verse 2]
I saw my mama at Twelfth and Grand
Standing in the alley with the junkyard man
They was both so loaded they could hardly stand
Talkin' about going to Mexico

[Verse 3]
I said, "Mamma, I was born, out there I was born again
Been clear to California and back
Was out there so long many times I thought I was dead"
She said, "Sonny, what's that you got wrapped around your head?"

[Chorus]
It's a red bandana
It's a red bandana
It's a red bandana
It's from Hollywood, USA

[Verse 4]
Looked for the woman I used to love
Seen her in a bar off the Harlem road
Talking in a booth with Charley Hobbs
This ugly little dude whom I didn't know
[Verse 5]
She said, "Honey, you're back, I'm so glad
When you was gone I was so sad
You come in here lookin' so bad
With that red bandana on your head
With that red bandana on your head"

[Chorus]
Yes! It's a red bandana
It's a red bandana
It's a red bandana
And it's red just like your blood is