My hometown - she's big and she's brown
She reaches to the sky above,
And everywhere you look, she's all around you.

My backyard is dirty and hot
It's never seen a flower grow,
As I can testify it needs no garden.

(Chorus)
One of these days,
I'm gonna pack my bags and take a train
To some big city
Where the lights are brighter and
I know all the girls are pretty

My home folk were raised in the smoke
Of fiery factory chimney stacks
That gave you work but in return they choke you
Choke you........

When I wake up, I wake up in the morning
Work all the day till the sun goes down
Gotta save up all the money I'm earning
Gotta have enough to kiss this town.

Powered by books from the public library
Teaching myself 'bout the world outside
Pictures of sunny places invite me
Goodbye, town....I'm taking a ride.

My mother started crying at the station
Asked me if I wouldn't change my mind
Afraid the city lights will call and blind me

The whistle blows and terminates my journey
Cold reality is right on time
The factory gates closed once again behind me

(Chorus)

One of these days......