[Verse 1]
You always said I wouldn't stay
I guess you saw the way before it all began
I've always been a changin' train
And when you think on this you might forgive me then

[Chorus]
Thanks for Chicago, Mr James
And all the shiny suits, and all the shining names
The things a country boy can't place
Without the look of shame, upon your city face

[Bridge]
And you needed more
Than the smile I wore

[Verse 2]
You picked me up on my way down
The dusty one horse town, I won't forget the jail
The mayor's wife and Cadillac
The sheriff on my back, 'til you put up the bail

[Chorus]
Thanks for Chicago, Mr James
You got a lot of grace but you're an empty place
The dawn falls hard upon my face
I'll move as I began through fields without a plan
Thanks for Chicago, Mr James
That world of grey and gold that watched you growing old
The things I never saw I see
To think that I'm still free and I'm not feeling cold
Thanks for Chicago, Mr James...