You always said I wouldn't stay
I guess you saw the way before it all began
I've always been a changin' train
And when you think on this you might forgive me then
Thanks for Chicago Mr James
And all the shiny suits and all the shiny names
The things a country boy can't grace
Without the look of shame upon a city face
And you needed more than the smile I wore
You picked me up on my way down
That dusty one horse town - I won't forget the jail
The mayor's wife and Cadillac
The sheriff on my back 'til you put up the bail
Thanks for Chicago Mr James
You got a lot of grace but you're an empty place
The dawn falls hard upon my face
I'll move as I began through fields without a plan
Thanks for Chicago Mr James
That world of grey and gold that watched you growing old
The things I never saw I see
To think that I'm still free and I'm not feeling cold