Well, I went down to Houston, stopped in San Antone
And I passed up the station for the bus
I was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
And then I ended up with pockets full of dust

So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane
I bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
And I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
And then I ended up with pockets full of cane

Oh, my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh, my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled all my life
Building newsprint boats I race to sewer mains
And I was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that some things never change

Oh, my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh, my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

Well, up here in the city feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
And I miss Karlovy and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south

Oh, my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh, my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
May you one day carry me home