The Promised Land

I left my home in Norfolk, Virginia

California on my mind

I straddled that Greyhound and rode it into Raleigh

And on across CarolineI had motor trouble that turned into a struggle

Halfway across Alabama

And that Hound broke down and left me all stranded

In downtown BirminghamRight away I brought me a through train ticket

Ridin' across Mississippi clean

And I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham

Smokin' into New OrleansSomebody help me get out of Louisiana

Just to help me get to Houston Town

I have people there who care a little about me

And I won't let a poor boy downSure as you're born, they bought me a silk suit

And put luggage in my hand

And I woke up high over Albuquerque

On a jet to the Promised LandWorkin' on a T-bone steak

I had a party flying over to the Golden State

When the pilot told me 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

And tell the folks back home this is the Promised Land calling

And the poor boy is on the lineYou have to swing low chariot, come down easy

Taxi to the Terminal zone

They 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

And tell the folks back home this is the Promised Land calling

And the poor boy is on the lineAnd tell the folks back home this is the Promised Land calling

And the poor boy is on the line