Left los angeles a short while ago Flew 'cross the country back to buffalo Walked around through the sleet and the snow With a red bandana on my head Saw my momma on 12th and grand Standing in the alley with the junkyard man They were both so loaded they could hardly stand Talkin' 'bout going to mexico I said "momma i was born Out there i was born again Been clear to california and back Was out there so long many times i thought i was dead" She said, "sonny what's that you got wrapped around your head?" It's a red bandana It's a red bandana It's a red bandana It's from hollywood usa Looked for the woman i used to love Seen her in a bar off the harlem road Talking in a booth with charley hobbs And this ugly little dude whom i didn't know She said "honey you're back i'm so glad When you was gone i was so sad You come in here lookin' so bad With that red bandana on your head With that red bandana on your head" Yes! it's a red bandana It's a red bandana It's a red bandana And it's red just like your blood is