Linda works in the diner, pourin' coffee, slingin' hash
She said, ""I wouldn't have come in today
But I really need the cash
I know I can't fool anyone 'cause dark glasses tell no lies
But make-up won't cover up a blackened eye""
Oh oh oh no

You see Jimmy works construction now
But yesterday it rained
So he went down to the liquor store
And by noon he felt no pain
I came in an hour late, then I let his supper burn
Well he hit the roof, hit the wall
and then it was my turn

He said, ""A man's home is his castle
It always has been and so it remains""
But he holds the keys in a fist of rage
His home is his castle
And mine is a cage

Someone must have heard the noise and they dialed 9-1-1
And the cop who showed up at the door asked, ""Is there a problem son?""
Jimmy smiled and said, ""No sir, just a little fight that's all
Hey you know how it gets sometimes when you're layin' down the law""
Oh oh oh no

So I pulled out my suitcase, I started packin' up my clothes
and Jimmy said, ""Now Linda, where do you expect to go with those?""
I told him, ""I have tried, but not an ounce of love survives""
Well he grabbed my wrist and shouted
""You're not leavin' here alive""

She said, ""I'm savin up my money and when I get the nerve I'll run
But Jim don't give up easily so I intend to buy a gun
He will never see the way he treats me is a crime
Somebody oughta lock him up but I'm the one who's done the time""

He said, ""A man's home is his castle
It always has been and so it remains""
But he holds the keys in a fist of rage
His home is his castle
And mine is a cage