I started out from Memphis with two dollars and a dime,
I started out from Memphis, boys, with two dollars and a dime,
But I landed in old Hazard, boys, I did not have a shine --
Lord, I've been all around this world.
I went to work on the railroad, boys, the mud up to my knees,
I went to work on the railroad, boys, the mud up to my knees.
The boss come round to boss me, boys, I done just as I pleased --
God knows, I been all round this world.

I went up to the Midway Inn with money to shoot some dice,
I went up to the Midway Inn with money to shoot some dice.
They took from me my money, boys, I begged them for my life --
God knows, I've been all around this world.

The new railroad is finished, boys, the cars are on the track,
The new railroad is finished, boys, the cars are on the track.
My doney girl has left me, boys, I know that she won't come back --
God knows, I've been all around this world.

I went to the Blue Ridge Mountains and there'll I'll take my stand,
I went to the Blue Ridge Mountains, boys, and there I'll take my stand,
With a rifle on my shoulder, boys, and a six-shooter in my hands --
God knows, I've been all around this world.

The officers came and arrested me and they take me down to jail,
The officers came and arrested me and they take me down to jail.
They said to me, "Old fellow, now you know you're allowed no bail." --
God knows, I've been all around this world.