I was born in Mississippi
At a place I did not choose
The doctor pulled me from my mama
Said “Son, welcome to the blues”
Welcome to the blues

Was 18 when I come to Chicago
In a brown suit and worn out shoes
Little Walter handed me a harmonica
Said “This’ll help if you got the blues”
This’ll save you if you got the blues

Had a woman, she up and left me
I said “Mr. Williams, what should I do?”
Big Joe said ”Well I know that woman
"And Charlie, you're better off with the blues”
You're better off with the blues

Now when I'm done breathing
I may not get to heaven but if I do
Gonna tell all them saints walking round
I was born and I died with the blues
I was born and I died with the blues
I was born and I died with the blues