This Levi's that I'm wearin' have been good to me
They just won't admit they're growin' old
Though my shirt's made contract 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 that kids in Harlan 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
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago wishing I had 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 I've really hit the big time
She's written every day since I've been gone
She don't know hat 109 East Charlotte is the adress of the West Side Mission Home
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks