Verse 1: Number 219 took my babe away.
Number 219 took my babe away.
Number 217 gonna bring her back someday.

Verse 2: Standing on the corner, my feet are soakin' wet,
Standing on the corner, my feet are soakin' wet,
Askin' for help from everyone I've met.

Verse 3: If you can't give me a dollar, then give me a lousy dime,
If you can't give me a dollar, then give me a lousy dime,
It's gettin' mighty hard to feed that hungry babe of mine.

[Piano Interlude]

Verse 4: I've only ever loved three women in my life,
I've only ever loved three women in my life,
My mother, my sister, and that gal who ruined my life.

Verse 5 (Optional): Gonna lay my head on some lonesome railroad line,
Gonna lay my head on some lonesome railroad line,
Let the Southern Pacific come and pacify my mind.

Verse 6: Number 219 took my babe away.
Number 219 took my babe away.
Number 217 sure to bring her back someday.