I ain't high on cocaine I don't need the pain It's bad for your brain and that's true I ain't droppin' no names I ain't playin' no games I'm just one step ahead of the blues One step ahead of the blues From Memphis to Reno From New York to Tokyo I'll try to come through for you I won't do you in I ain't no fairweather friend I'm just one step ahead of the blues One step ahead of the blues I don't rob, I don't steal I ain't beggin' no meal I ain't driven to drink, I'm no fool I don't run with the crowd I don't talk big and loud I'm just one step ahead of the blues One step ahead of the blues I've been under a spell I ain't been feelin' well I've been in a shell, and that's true Dealin' with a curse But it couldn't be worse I've been one step ahead of the blues One step ahead of the blues