[Verse 1]
I come from up Rock Island Way
Where I lived at 3rd and 8th
I tried to fight back and take a stand
But the fear of death became too great
It's not what you'd call a paradise
Was the only home I ever knew
Had some good times there once or twice
Back in the days of my carefree youth

[Bridge 1]
Yes, we were what you'd call poor
And yes, never knew anything else
And yeah, living in poverty sucks
But oh, I still tried to believe in myself
Yes, we were what you'd call poor
And yes, never had anything much
And yeah, living in poverty sucks
But oh, I still tried to believe in myself

[Chorus 1]
Well, it's nice to meet you
Hope you're feeling well, et cetera
I'm really not sure of what to do
What'd you say? Oh, my name is Barbara...

[Verse 2]
My sister and I never knew our family
They lived at 3rd and 8th
She married that man back in '92
I warned her but it was too late
It all started out okay for them
They had a house, a yard, and a son
But nothing could quench their thirst for success
So they did something they shouldn't a-done

[Bridge 2]
Yes, they joined the gangs
And yes, I said no good would come
And yeah, they said they'd have it all
But oh, they never saw the gun
Yes, they joined the gangs
And yes, I said it would be their fall
And yeah, they said they'd make it yet
But oh, they never saw the writing on the wall

[Chorus 2]
Well, it's nice to meet you
How ya doin', et cetera
I feel all alone, sis, where are you?
What'd you say? Oh, my name is Barbara...

[Verse 3]
People seem to think that life's a ride
My car died in '91
Of course I'm used to walking everywhere
Just takes longer to get it all done
Got on the bus to see 'bout a job
To get me to the top
Picked the wrong bus, never got that job
When will this madness stop?

[Bridge 3]
Yes, I thought it was going right
And yes, thought it was a new beginning
And yeah, I still want to have it all
But oh, what's the matter with you?
Yes, I thought it was going right
And yes, thought I could start all over
And yeah, I want to keep on living
But it's so hard to keep on giving

[Chorus 3]
Well, it's nice to meet you
How's your health, et cetera
I got nothing to call my own
What you'd say? Oh, my name is Barbara...
(Barbara...)

[Piano solo]

[Ending Chorus]
Well, it's nice to meet you
How's life treatin' you, et cetera
I can tell you're not even really listening
No one ever does to someone named Barbara...
(Barbara...)

[Ending outro]