You always said I wouldn't stay

I guess you saw the way before it all began

I've always been a changin' train

And when you think on this you might forgive me then

Thanks for Chicago Mr James

And all the shiny suits and all the shiny names

The things a country boy can't grace

Without the look of shame upon a city face

And you needed more than the smile I wore

You picked me up on my way down

That dusty one horse town - I won't forget the jail

The mayor's wife and Cadillac

The sheriff on my back 'til you put up the bail

Thanks for Chicago Mr James

You got a lot of grace but you're an empty place

The dawn falls hard upon my face

I'll move as I began through fields without a plan

Thanks for Chicago Mr James

That world of grey and gold that watched you growing old

The things I never saw I see

To think that I'm still free and I'm not feeling cold