I've got the Rock Island blues, waiting for the Rock Island fare I've got the Rock Island blues, I'm waiting for the Rock Island fare I took the Rock Island train and take a Rock Island ride somewhere [I've got a free transportation], lookin' for the train to ride [I've got a free transportation], lookin' for the train to ride I need to ride the Rock Island till I'm perfectly satisfied If you ever been down you know just how I feel Said if you ever been down you might know just how I feel If you ever been down you know just how I feel I've got the Rock Island blues, waiting for the Rock Island... I've got the Rock Island blues, I'm waiting for the Rock Island fare I take the Rock Island train and take a [hometown] ride somewhere Well I'm goin away, train comin', get on board, ooo I'm goin away, train comin', get on board ...baby, hang crepe on your door I've got the rickets, got the rackets, and my baby's got the Mobile blues I've got the rickets, got the rackets, and my baby's got the Mobile blues I've got the Rock Island blues and I don't know what to do One thing about these women I cannot understand One thing about the women I cannot understand All wearin' short dresses tryin' to fool a working man I've got the rickets, got the rackets, and my baby's got the Mobile blues I've got the rickets, got the rackets, and my baby's got the Mobile blues I've got the Rock Island blues and I don't know what to do Said if anyone should ask you who composed this song Said if anyone should ask you who composed this song Just tell 'em Lonnie Coleman done been to your town and gone