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