It's a mean black moan : and it's lying front of my door When I leave Chicago : Lord I ain't coming back no more Ninety men were laid off : at the railroad shop And the strike in Chicago : Lordy Lord it just won't stop I'm tired of mean black moans : friends lying front of my door But when I leave Chicago Lord : I ain't coming back here no more There are a hundred men Lordy : [standing] all around my bed I wish somebody : might be able to k** the black moan dead Every morning : Lord rent man is at my door And my man hasn't worked Lord : in two or three weeks or more It's all I can do Lord : ah fight for my life But when the strike is over : Lord I will be all right