Well I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots both nights and days
I want some good‑looking mama to come here now : please drive these blues away

I went home last night babe : just about the break of day
I did grab the pillow : where my baby used to lay

I'm a rooting ground hog : *if I do ??? day*
Well look for poor Joe down north : ooo well I will be so far away

I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots everywhere I go
I'm trying to keep my woman taking my loving : carrying it out handing it to Mr so‑and‑so

Let me tell you now women : just before I go
Give me back my money : I'll catch the train and go

I'm a rooting ground hog : and I root everywhere I go
Well my baby had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more

I'm a‑leaving Chicago : ain't going to leave my baby no more
I'm that good rooting ground hog : I got a home anywhere I go

I woke up this morning : I looked down the line
Couldn't hear nothing : but my babe's train crying