[Verse 1]
Have you ever heard a story 'bout a poor gal in bad?
Have you ever heard a story 'bout a poor gal in bad?
I've got one for you and it's mighty sad

[Verse 2]
Folks, I've got no mother, ain't got no dad
Folks, I've got no mother, ain't got no dad
Trouble's the only thing I've ever had

[Verse 3]
The only friend that I had I really thought was true
The only friend that I had that I really thought was true
Caught the train and said that he was through

[Verse 4]
I heard the engine whistle, the fireman rang the bell
I heard the engine whistle, the fireman rang the bell
I heard my daddy say his last farewell

[Verse 5]
Folks, I'm just a poor gal, never done nobody wrong
Folks, I'm just a poor gal, never done nobody wrong
But I won't be a poor gal long