Left a family back in Kansas followed him to New Orleans
But it wasn't long till the thrill was gone then one mornin' so was he
What's a girl to do in New Orleans see her hungry child
With the darkness to hide the things that I did I took care of me and the kid

I've been lived on and loved on since the day I turned sixteen
And I can't count the ways Lord I've been used
I saw all the uptown ladies and don't they look so fine
But they're just like me but the men they see pay a lot more for their time

Here comes the night again downtown lights are comin' on
And I know it won't be long till I'll be there
Lord I know it won't be long till I'll be there