[Verse 1]
As the rain ruins my alibi
I'm down to telling you my red-eyed mind
It's not the sun-bright path that calls me from my home
It's just that fine backslider's wine

[Chorus]
My momma sings out in my memory:
"Oh Son, don't wear no black eye shine
"Fight for your rights but don't just fight for right
"Do not drink backslider's wine"

[Verse 2]
But I took myself for a strong and loving soul
'Til I found my skill face-down on the bar room floor
Crying "My God, what have they with me?"
I dare not drink backslider's wine no more

[Chorus]
My momma sings out in my memory:
"Oh Son, don't take no black eyed shine
"Fight for your rights but don't just fight for right (Fight for rights)
"Do not drink backslider's wine"
No, do not drink backslider's wine