I was born in Mississippi At a place I did not choose The doctor pulled me from my mama Said “Son, welcome to the blues” Welcome to the blues Was 18 when I come to Chicago In a brown suit and worn out shoes Little Walter handed me a harmonica Said “This'll help if you got the blues” This'll save you if you got the blues Had a woman, she up and left me I said “Mr. Williams, what should I do?” Big Joe said ”Well I know that woman "And Charlie, you're better off with the blues” You're better off with the blues Now when I'm done breathing I may not get to heaven but if I do Gonna tell all them saints walking round I was born and I died with the blues I was born and I died with the blues I was born and I died with the blues