A boy is born
In hard time Mississippi
Surrounded by four walls
That ain't so prettyHis parents give him
Love and affection
To keep him strong
Movin' in the right directionLivin' just enough
Just enough for the cityHis father works some days
For fourteen hours
And you can bet
He barely makes a dollarHis mother goes to scrub
The floors for many
And you'd best believe
She hardly gets a pennyLivin' just enough
Just enough for the cityHis sister's black
But she is sho'nuff pretty
Her skirt is short
But Lord, her legs are sturdyTo walk, to school
She's got to get up early
Her clothes are old
But never are they dirtyLivin' just enough
Just enough for the cityHer brother's smart
He's got more sense than many
His patience's long
But soon he won't have anyTo find a job
Is like a haystack needle
'Cause where he lives
They don't use black peopleLiving just enough
Just enough for the cityLivin' just enough
For the city
Livin' just enough
For the cityLivin' just enough
For the city
Livin' just enough
For the cityLivin' just enough
For the city
For the smokin' crowded city
Livin' for the city
For the city