In a dimly lit bar in the city You can see her any night of the week Selling her favours to strangers Giving them the pleasures they seek If you look into her eyes you'll see sorrow Replacing what used to be pride You are looking at sweet Annie Johnson With the ghost of the lady inside Oh the smiles that are part of her business Tender words that are part of the trade Fancy clothes are Annie's diploma Small reward for the price she has paid Satisfaction is Annie's delusion But her pleasure is just a charade No one cares about poor Annie Johnson No one cares about the lady inside I recall how we once played together And the way that her bright arms would shine As I watched her grow into a lady And I thought that she'd always be mine One more round for the boys in the backroom One more round for the passing of time As the tears fall for sweet Annie Johnson And a tear for the lady inside I remember sweet Annie Johnson Long before the lady had died