A boy is born in Hardtime Mississippi
Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty
His parents give him love and affection
To keep him strong, movin' in the right direction
Living just enough, just enough for the city, Yeah

His father works some days for fourteen hours
And you can bet he barely makes a dollar
His mother goes to scrub the floors for many
And you'd best believe she hardly gets a penny
Living just enough, just enough for the city

His sister's black, but she is sho 'nuff pretty
Her skirt is short, but Lord her legs are sturdy
To walk to school, she's got to get up early
Her clothes are old, but never are they dirty
Living just enough, just enough for the city

Her brother's smart, he's got more sense than many
His patience's long, but soon he won't have any
To find a job is like a haystack needle, 'cause
Where he lives, they don't use coloured people
Living just enough, just enough for the city
Living just enough for the city