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: 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