Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy'

But the whole world is now in a strain

Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy'

But the whole world is now in a strain

I am going to the court house

And have the judge to change my name



I was out this mo'nin'

I looked up at the risin' sun

I was out this mo'nin'

I looked up at the risin' sun

And the strain that I'm in

It will take me two years to overcome



Now, let me tell you boys

How your friends will treat you

When you run astray

Now, let me tell you boys

How your friends will treat you

When you run astray

They won't even come around you

And call you rather dirty names



(instrumental)



I really believe

I'm going to have to leave this town

I really believe

I'm going to have to leave this town

Because the strain that I'm in

It is really carryin' me down



I was out this mo'nin'

I looked up at the risin' sun

Was out this mo'nin'

I looked up at the risin' sun

But now the strain that I'm in

It will take me two years to overcome.