[Verse 1]
I went down to Duffy's bar with depression on my mind
Just to blow off a little steam and try and unwind
Times were getting tough with no relief in sight
Last straw, I lost my job, next straw, your life

[Chorus]
Knock on knockin' lost John
The Great Depression was going strong
Hard times comin' on
Long gone knockin' lost John

[Verse 2]
Born on the south side, got my schoolin' at the pool hall
Saturday night we get back to back, Sunday mornin', wall to wall
Never seen nothing like it, jumpin' out windows, going mad
But that's not half as bad as losin' what you never had

[Chorus]
Knock on knockin' lost John
The Great Depression was going strong
Hard times comin' on
Long gone knockin' lost John

[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Knock on knockin' lost John
The Great Depression was going strong
Hard times comin' on
Long gone knockin' lost John

[Verse 3]
Back in 1929, it was livin' hell
Crime was on the rise when the bottom fell
Keepin' poverty pocket high upon the hill
Back door, you lock it, they'll break in still

[Chorus]
Knock on knockin' lost John
The Great Depression was going strong
Hard times comin' on
Long gone knockin' lost John