Poor old man came from Mississippi

Nothin'on his mind but a cheap fifth of whiskey

Playin' his guitar, got into the city

Workin' on the streets just to make a living



Well he could sing those coffee house blues



Mississippi John made it look so easy

Cigarette behind his ear

His eye are lookin' misty

Really let go when the bottle's half empty

Singing it loud, his voice is kinda gritty

He knows he's got nothin' to prove



He spends his time playin' in the city

Won't you lay your money down

Watchful eyes for someone who will listen

Won't you lay your money down



Everybody said he'd be better off leavin'

And he knew in his heart

That he better start believing

Better use the talent

That the good lord gave him

To get out of this place

He don't need a good reason



He's giving heart and soul to you



He spends his time playin' in the city

Won't you lay your money down

Watchful eyes for someone who will listen

Won't you lay your money down



Look downtown see the man on the corner

Working so hard just get a dollar

People walk my want to call him a beggar

Don't want too much

He's just taking what they offer



Well he's playing each note for you



Well he spends his time playin' in the city

Won't you lay your money down

Watchful eyes for someone who will listen

Won't you lay your money down