Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I left my home in Norfolk, Virginia
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound and rode into Raleigh
And on across Caroline
[Verse 2]
We had a motor trouble that turned into a struggle
Halfway across Alabam'
Well that 'Hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown Birmingham
[Verse 3]
Right away, I bought me a through train ticket
Ridin' 'cross Mississippi clean
And I was on that midnight flyer outta Birmingham
Smokin' into New Orleans
[Verse 4]
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just to help me get to Houston town
There are people there who care a little about me
And they won't let the poor boy down
[Verse 5]
Sure as you're board, brought me a silk suit
Put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land
[Verse 6]
Workin' on a t-bone steak a la carté
Flyin' over to the golden state
When the pilot told us, in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
[Verse 7]
Swing low, chariot, come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
[Verse 8]
Los Angeles, give me Norfolk, Virginia
Tidewater four-ten-oh-nine
Tell the folks back home, this sis the promised land callin'
And the poor boy is on the line
[Verse 9]
Workin' on a t-bone steak a la carté
Flyin' over to the golden state
When the pilot told us, in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
[Verse 10]
Swing low, chariot, come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
[Verse 11]
Los Angeles, give me Norfolk, Virginia
Tidewater four-ten-O-nine
Tell the folks back home, this sis the promised land callin'
And the poor boy is on the line
Written by: Chuck Berry
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