I been hangin’ out of town, Lord, in that low down rain
Watchin’ good time Charlie friend is drivin’ me insane
Up on shady Charlotte Street those green lights look red
I wish I was back home on the farm, Lord, in my feather bed

I found myself a paper friend who’s read yesterday’s news
Folded up page twenty-one and stuck it in my shoes
Gave a nickel to the poor my good turn for the day
Folded up my old billfold and I threw it far away

And I got myself a rockin’ chair
To see if I can lose
These thin dime hard times
Hell on Church Street blues

I wish I had some guitar strings Old Black Diamond brand
I’d string up this Martin box and go and join some band
But I guess I’ll just stay right here just pick and sing a while
Try to earn me a little change and give them folks a smile

And I got myself a rockin’ chair
To see if I can lose
These thin dime hard times

And I got myself a rockin’ chair
To see if I can lose
These thin dime hard times
Hell on Church Street blues