Yonder come Miss-a Rosie, how in the world do you know?
Well, I knows her by the apron and dress she wore
Umbrella on her shoulder, piece of paper in her hand
Well she's gonna tell the Governor "Please turn a-loose my man"

Chorus

Let the midnight special shine its light on me
Let the midnight special shine its everlovin' light on me

When you wake up in the mornin', when the ding-dong ring
Go marchin' to the table, meet the same old thing
Knife and fork are on the table, nothin' in my pan
Ever say anything about it, have trouble with the man

Chorus

If you ever go to Houston, boy, you better walk right
Well, you better not squabble and you better not fight
Cuz the sheriff will arrest you and he'll take you down
And the judge will sentence you, you're penitentiary bound

Chorus

I'm goin' away to leave you, cuz my time ain't long
The Man is gonna call me and I'll be gone
Be done all my weepin', whoppin', holl'in' and cryin'
Be done all my studyin' about my great long time

Chorus