| 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 have made contact with a gutter |
| At least it keeps my body from going 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 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 |
| It wasn’t long before I met her |
| She really swept me off my feet |
| And she stayed just long enough to make me love her |
| And now they’re sweepin' me off the street |
| Mama thinks I’ve really hit the big time |
| She’s written every day since I’ve been gone |
| But she don’t know that 109 West Charlotte |
| Is the address of the Mission Home |
| I’m walking on the sidewalks of Chicago |
| If I buy a bread I can’t afford the wine |
| Now I’m walking on the sidewalks of Chicago |
| Wishing I had lived some other time |
| Walking on the sidewalks of Chicago |
| Wishing I had lived some other time |