Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below
Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below
I ever get back home, I won't be back no more

Oh, my mama's gettin' old, Papas head is turnin' grey
My mama's getting old, Papa's head is turnin' grey
Don't you know it'll break her heart, know, a livin' this-a way?

I woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed?
I woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed?
Turned my face to the wall and I didn't have a word to say

No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin'
No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin'
For you know you got a home, mama, long as I got mine

Hey, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul
Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold"