I know a place, not very far
South of Chicago town
South of Chicago, east of the sun
I let my true lover down
(He caught a train out of town)
(He let his true lover down)

I got off in Reno, just for a day
A stranger, no one knew my name
I spent all my money, having some fun
I wish I had stayed on the train
(He should have stayed on the train)
(He should have stayed on the train)

Ninety-seven miles, South of Chicago
I caught a train westward bound
Ninety-seven miles, South of Chicago
I let my true lover down
(He let his true lover down)
(He let his true lover down)

The anger in my heart, had simmered down
I got to see her again
I'm going back, where I left my heart
Gonna catch an eastbound train
(He had to see her again)
(He caught an eastbound train)

Ninety-seven miles, South of Chicago
Right back where I started from
Ninety-seven miles, South of Chicago
back in my true lovers arms
(Back in his true lovers arms)
(Back in his true lovers arms)