I better keep myself from being busted
I better keep myself out of jail
'Cause I ain't got a friend to get me trusted
That's why my mama sends my money through the mail

I've been down on my luck
I've been down on my wealth
I'm gonna start taking care of business
Start taking care of my health

I've gotta leave this town
I've gotta leave this town behind
I've gotta leave this town tonight

Well, I set off down the main street
With such a long, long way to go
But before I started I was cornered on the corner
Still waiting for my sugar to show

I've been down on my luck
I've been down on my wealth
I've gotta stop taking care of somebody's else's business
Start taking care of myself

I've gotta leave this town
I've gotta leave this town behind
I've gotta leave this town tonight

I was fooling around with the sheriff's daughter
She was a real fine fox
But the sheriff - he came after
And threatened to lock me in a cell box

He showed me his magnum
He showed me his shotgun
He stuck it in my face
And said, "Boy, I think you best be gone."

I've gotta leave this town
I've gotta leave this town behind
I've gotta leave this town tonight