I'm buildin' a new home 'cross the county line
Up on a high hill where the view's so fine
Down in the lowlands water taste like turpentine
I'm goin' up the country where it taste liked cherry wine

I made a piece of money, but I won't say how
Bought my own forty acres
My own mule an' breakin' plough
Bought my own forty acres
Don't have to scrape an' bow

I'm buildin' a new home
I heard a voice talkin' like a radio in my head
I'm about to tell you just what it said
I'll put your feet on solid ground, by an' by
When the river gets to risin' you'll be high an' dry

I'm buildin' a new home 'cross the county line
Up on a high hill where the view's so fine
Up on a high hill, leave this ol' shack behind