Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy' But the whole world is now in a strain Now, the people's cryin, 'Mercy' But the whole world is now in a strain I am going to the court house And have the judge to change my name I was out this mo'nin' I looked up at the risin' sun I was out this mo'nin' I looked up at the risin' sun And the strain that I'm in It will take me two years to overcome Now, let me tell you boys How your friends will treat you When you run astray Now, let me tell you boys How your friends will treat you When you run astray They won't even come around you And call you rather dirty names (Instrumental) I really believe I'm going to have to leave this town I really believe I'm going to have to leave this town Because the strain that I'm in It is really carryin' me down I was out this mo'nin' I looked up at the risin' sun Was out this mo'nin' I looked up at the risin' sun But now the strain that I'm in It will take me two years to overcome.