The Levi's that I'm wearing have been good to me
They just won't admit they're growing old Though my shirt's made contact with the gutter
now and then At least it keeps my body from the cold
Thank God folks back home in Harlan County can't see what success has done to me
Would you believe the kids in Harlan High School voted me most likely to succeed?
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 could live some other time
I wasn't here too long before I met her And the lady, she really swept me off my feet
And she stayed just long enough to make me love her
And now they're sweeping 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 But she doesn't know that 109 West Charlotte
is the address of the West Side Mission Home
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