Poor old man came from Mississippi
Nothin'on his mind but a cheap fifth of whiskey
Playin' his guitar, got into the city
Workin' on the streets just to make a living

Well he could sing those coffee house blues

Mississippi John made it look so easy
Cigarette behind his ear
His eye are lookin' misty
Really let go when the bottle's half empty
Singing it loud, his voice is kinda gritty
He knows he's got nothin' to prove

He spends his time playin' in the city
Won't you lay your money down
Watchful eyes for someone who will listen
Won't you lay your money down

Everybody said he'd be better off leavin'
And he knew in his heart
That he better start believing
Better use the talent
That the good lord gave him
To get out of this place
He don't need a good reason

He's giving heart and soul to you

He spends his time playin' in the city
Won't you lay your money down
Watchful eyes for someone who will listen
Won't you lay your money down

Look downtown see the man on the corner
Working so hard just get a dollar
People walk my want to call him a beggar
Don't want too much
He's just taking what they offer

Well he's playing each note for you

Well he spends his time playin' in the city
Won't you lay your money down
Watchful eyes for someone who will listen
Won't you lay your money down