I left my home in Norfolk Virginia
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode into Raleigh and on across CarolineWe had motor trouble that turn into a struggle
Halfway across Alabama
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown BirminghamRight away I brought me a through train ticket
Ridin' across Mississippi clean
I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New OrleansSomebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just help me get to Houston Town
There are people there, who care a little about me
And they won't let the poor boy downSure as you're born brought me a silk suit
Put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised landWorking on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gateSwing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephoneLos Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the lineWorking on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gateSwing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephoneLos Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line