I'm buildin' a new home cross the county line (2x)
Up on a high hill where the view's so fine
Down in the lowlands water taste like turpentine (2x)
I'm goin' up the country where it taste liked cherry wine
I made a piece of money, but I won't say how (2x)
Bought my own forty acres -
My own mule an' breakin' plough
Bought my own forty acres -
Don't have to scrape an' bow
I'm buildin' a new home ....
I heard a voice talkin' like a radio in my head (2x)
I'm about to tell you just what it said:
I'll put your feet on solid ground, by an' by (2x)
When the river gets to risin' you'll be high an' dry
I'm buildin' a new home ‘cross the county line (2x)
Up on a high hill where the view's so fine
Up on a high hill - leave this ol' shack behind