I have had my fun
If I don't get well, no mo'
I have had my fun
If I don't get well, no mo'
My health is failin' me
And I'm goin' down slow

Please write my mother
Tell her the shape I'm in
Ple-ease write my mother
Tell her the shape I'm in
Tell her to pray for me
Forgiveness of my sin

Tell her don't send no doctor
Doctor can't do no good
Tell her don't send no doctor
Doctor can't do me no good
It's all my fault
Didn't do the things I should

On the next train south
Look for my clothes home
On the next train south
Look for my clothes home
If you don't see my body
All you can do is moan

Mother, please don't worry
This is all in my prayer
Mother, please don't worry
This is all in my prayer
Just say 'Your son is gone
Out of his world, somewhere'