Left my home when I was a boy
Found me a job up north in detroit
Worked long hours just to pay my bills
While the rich man lived in the mansion on the hill

Smoke all night and I smoke all day
Smoke my whole damn life away
Smoked the soles right off of my shoes
I got the poor boy smokin' blues

Call me a country boy, call me what you will
But I ain't no crook looking for a way to steal
Work long hours just to pay my way
Lord, I barely make it from day to day

Smoke all night and I smoke all day
Smoke my whole damn life away
Smoked the soles right off of my shoes
I got the poor boy smokin' blues