These Levi's that I'm wearin' have been good to me
They just won't admit they're growin' old
And though my shirt's made contact with a gutter now and then
At least it keeps my body from the cold
Thank God the folks back home in Harlan County
Can't see what success has done for me
Would you believe the kids in Hopewell High School
Voted me most likely to successeed
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
If I buy the bread I can't afford the wine
Walking on the sidewalks of Chicago wishing I'd've lived some other time

I wasn't here too long before I met her the lady really swept me off my feet
She stayed just long enough for me to love her
And now they're sweepin' me up off the street
My mama thinks that I've really hit the big time
Why she's wrote to me every day since I've been gone
But she don't know hat 109 East Charlotte
Is the address of the East Side Mission Home
Now I'm walking on...