For now I'm living in the country
I was working up until I fell
I only went down, my ship had already sailed
I met a girl out in Memphis
It was going well I thought at first
She never said bye, she left when she'd knew I'd fail

And if I could understand
My body'd get some rest at last
Would I fight to take a stand?
I'd never look back
Never have to look out for the man

But now I'm moving out the country
Found my lucky pardon, I was saved
Couldn't get out, I found no check in the mail
So I went up to Nashville
It was going well but then went stale
I couldn't get by, lucky to live to tell the tale

And if I could understand
My body'd get some rest at last
Would I fight to take a stand?
I'd never look back
Never have to look out for the man

And if I could understand
My body'd get some rest at last
Would I fight to take a stand
I'd never look back
Never have to look out for the man
Said never look back
Never have to look out for the man