They said the town was dying
It didn't stand a chance
So I was forced to search for a job
Up on higher lands

She said she wouldn't leave me
She had to come along
But broken-hearted I departed on a lonely trail
To weather the storm, and ...

Southern nights are on my mind
Southern nights are on my mind
Southern nights keep calling
All the time they're calling me back home,
On and on, (repeat) ...

We write a lot of letters
There's not a lot to say
She tells me nothing's changed there
And I say here it's the same

For when I get my money
I pay my bill and board
And what is over aint enough to bring her along
To where she belongs ...

Southern nights are on my mind
Southern nights are on my mind
Southern nights keep calling
All the time they're calling me back home,
On and on, (repeat) ...