South-East Missouri
Is the lonesome-est place that I've seen
South-East Missouri
Is the lonesome-est place that I've seen
Because the people in South-East Missouri
Treats po' me so mean

Down in Missouri Valley
You know that really is my home
Down in Missouri Valley
You know that really is my home
But I can't stay there
People, an get along

I'm goin' to cross the river
Goin' o'vr in ole, Tennessee
I'm goin' across the river
Goin' ov'r in ole, Tennessee
Because the people in South-East Missouri
Really don't welcome me

People, have ya'ever been mistreated
In your own hometown?
People, have ya'ever been mistreated
Even in your own hometown?
Seem like none of yo' friend
Really don't want you around

'Ah, play it for me'

So, bye-bye-bye
Bye-bye-baby, bye-bye-bye
So, bye-bye-bye
Bye-bye-baby, bye-bye-bye
I'm gonna leave you
An I ain't goin' even tell you the reason why.