A boy is born In hard time Mississippi
Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty
His parents give him love and affection

To keep him strong moving in the right direction
Living just enough, just enough for the city


His father works some days for fourteen hours
And you can bet he barely makes a dollar
His mother goes to scrub the floors for many

And you'd best believe she hardy gets a penny
Living just enough, just enough for the city


His sister's black but she is sure enough pretty
Her skirt is short but lord her legs are sturdy
To walk to school she's got to get up early

Her clothes are old but never are they dirty
Living just enough, just enough for the city


Her brother's smart he's got more sense than many
His patience's long but soon he won't have any
To find a Job is like a haystack needle

Cos where he lives they don't use coloured people
Living just enough, just enough for the city...
Living just enough

For the city (repeat)