I was born in Alabama, raised in Tennessee
When I moved to St. Louis they would not let me be
REFRAIN: That's why I'm going up the country, I'm going up the country
I'm going up the country, St. Louis don't mean me no good
When I had plenty money, had friends from miles around
My money's done give out and my friends can't be found
REFRAIN: That's why I'm going up the country, I'm going up the country
I'm going up the country, St. Louis don't mean me no good
SOLO
Women 'round here will take on over you
But when you get broke, they'll say, "I can't use you."
REFRAIN: That's why I'm going up the country, I'm going up the country
I'm going up the country, St. Louis don't mean me no good
I love my women, love my good times
I can't call none of these St. Louis women mine
REFRAIN: That's why I'm going up the country, I'm going up the country
I'm going up the country, St. Louis don't mean me no good
SOLO
I'm gon' sing this verse, I won't sing no more
'Til my train's whistlin' and I'm ready to go
REFRAIN: That's why I'm going up the country, I'm going up the country
I'm going up the country, St. Louis don't mean me no good
NOTE:
Papa Egg Shell (Real Name: Lawrence Casey) was a blues singer and guitarist, who recorded four tracks for Brunswick in 1929.