Well it's a long long way from here to Houston
It's a long long road from here to home
This cold black night is far from friendly
But I know that I have got to travel on

I know the things are mighty fat in Houston
And they pick me up as soon as I hit town
But I'm lonesome for the things that I am used to
Even though before I left she put me down

I'll just have to take my chances when I get there
Cause I know the law is surely after me
But I think I'd rather be in jail in Houston
Than walkin' down this road in Tennessee

[ banjo ]
I was doin' fine and that's for certain
But her greedy ways were found to do me in
Her taste for pretty things soon had me hurtin'
And I found myself a headin' for the bend

I'll be there when the sun comes up tomorrow
Now I have to pay for things that I have done
Just being there would take away my sorrow
But it's worthy just to see that Houston sun

I'll just have to take my chances...
Than walkin' down this road in Tennessee
Lord I'm walkin' down this road in Tennessee