It's a mean black moan: and it's lying front of my door When I leave Chicago: Lord I ain't coming back no more Ninety men were laid off: at the railroad shop And the strike in Chicago: Lordy Lord it just won't stop I'm tired of mean black moans: friends lying front of my door But when I leave Chicago Lord: I ain't coming back here no more There are a hundred men Lordy: [standing] all around my bed I wish somebody: might be able to kill the black moan dead Every morning: Lord rent man is at my door And my man hasn't worked Lord: in two or three weeks or more It's all I can do Lord: ah fight for my life But when the strike is over: Lord I will be all right