Poor old man came from Mississippi Nothin' on his mind but a cheap fifth of whiskey Playin' his guitar, got into the city Workin' on the streets just to make a living Well he could sing those coffee house blues Mississippi John made it look so easy Cigarette behind his ear His eye are lookin' misty Really let go when the bottle's half empty Singing it loud, his voice is kinda gritty He knows he's got nothin' to prove He spends his time playin' in the city Won't you lay your money down Watchful eyes for someone who will listen Won't you lay your money down Everybody said he'd be better off leavin' And he knew in his heart That he better start believing Better use the talent That the good lord gave him To get out of this place He don't need a good reason He's giving heart and soul to you He spends his time playin' in the city Won't you lay your money down Watchful eyes for someone who will listen Won't you lay your money down Look downtown see the man on the corner Working so hard just get a dollar People walk my want to call him a beggar Don't want too much He's just taking what they offer Well he's playing each note for you Well he spends his time playin' in the city Won't you lay your money down Watchful eyes for someone who will listen Won't you lay your money down