Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy'
But the whole world is now in a strain
Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy'
But the whole world is now in a strain
I am going to the court house
And have the judge to change my name

I was out this mo'nin'
I looked up at the risin' sun
I was out this mo'nin'
I looked up at the risin' sun
And the strain that I'm in
It will take me two years to overcome

Now, let me tell you boys
How your friends will treat you
When you run astray
Now, let me tell you boys
How your friends will treat you
When you run astray
They won't even come around you
And call you rather dirty names

(instrumental)

I really believe
I'm going to have to leave this town
I really believe
I'm going to have to leave this town
Because the strain that I'm in
It is really carryin' me down

I was out this mo'nin'
I looked up at the risin' sun
Was out this mo'nin'
I looked up at the risin' sun
But now the strain that I'm in
It will take me two years to overcome