Tonight I'm going home for my first time
Since I've left the scene of the crime
Only fare I could afford, slide a door and climb aboard
Goin' home by route of New Orleans
I've been a fugitive for much too long
And I've payed a thousand ways for that one wrong
Searched trash cans my last time, prison meals will sure be fine
Goin' home by route of New Orleans
Well it's been a while, the cotton sure is high
It seems to wave at me as I go by
Only cotton that I've seen is in these old faded jeans
Goin' home by route of New Orleans
What's this? The train is slowing down
Fugitive aboard, the word's around
Couldn't even give myself up, pulled their guns and opened up
Goin' home but stopped in New Orleans
Goin' baggage out of New Orleans