Lord have mercy, got to tell it, tell it just like it is, ev’ry word.
Yeah! I was living in St. Louis In the year of nineteen fifty five Mama didn’t have no great mansion, Just a little old country dive. Papa worked all week long, Try to keep us six kids alive.
So I hitch hiked to Chicago Just to hear Muddy Waters play I sat and listened to him sing Until the early hours of day I asked him what I could do to make it And it was he who showed me the way
I went back home and wrote a song And made a record I could claim The little tune jumped on the charts And rode me right on up to fame It netted over ten thousand dollars And added glory to my name
I was standing at the airport With my guitar in my hand And a first class ticket Destination movie land I will be in Hollywood, Mama Before the roosters crow again
When I first started playing music Over sixteen years ago Every big town in the country From St. Francisco to Baltimore Trying to bring some happy hours Doing the only thing I know
Can’t help it, but I love it Stand here, sing to you Brings back so many memories Many things we used to do 'till I see you here again Take care, good luck to you