Southern woman finds it hard to get along
She just can't seem to get it right
Southern woman knows there must be something wrong
A different man 'most every night
But every time she tries to pack her things and go
Another problem knocks her down

Southern woman got a spirit from below
Won't let her leave this southern town
Southern woman sticks the needle in her arm
She tells herself this is the one
She takes her welfare check and runs it in her arm
She's got no food to feed her son

But food ain't cheap and money don't come easily
The boys' old man don't come around
On nighttime corners southern woman can be found
Turning tricks in southern town

Southern woman finds a bible in the road
She takes it home with her that night
Southern woman's gonna lose that heavy load
Seems she's finally seen the light