left Atlanta on a rainy day Didn't have no money Had to thumb my way Lord I've been gone such a long time I'll be comin' back home someday Got to New York City Everybody put me down Can't find no good friend None can be found Yes, I've been gone such a long time I'll be comin' back home someday The weatherman told me It might be snow Can't find no good friend No matter where I go Yes, I've been gone such a long time I'll be comin' back home someday My friend Robert He's dead and gone He left me here I must carry on Yes, he's been gone such a long time He'll be comin' back home someday