(Joe Allen)



Manhattan Kansas ain't no place to have a baby

When you got no man to give it his last name

And the folks back in Manhattan didn't want me or my bundle

So I took my child and caught an evening train.



And I found a job in Denver washing dishes in a diner

At least it buys my baby milk to drink

He once told me I was pretty but the only ring it got me

Is the ring of grease that runs around the sink.



Yes, I laid beside him gentle 'cause he told me that he loved me

And he made me dance before the music played

But at least I didn't beg him I'd rather wash my dishes

'Cause it makes me feel as if my hands're clean.



Sometimes I stand there thinkin' bout the men back home in Kansas

And how my folks just turned away ashamed

I stare down through the soap suds reach down and pulls the drain plug

And watche as Manhattan drains away.



Yes, I laid beside him gentle 'cause he told me that he loved me

And he made me dance before the music played

But at least I didn't beg him I'd rather wash my dishes

'Cause it makes me feel as if my hands're clean.



Yes, it makes me feel as if my hands're clean...