I am just a poor girl
Trying to get back home
Waiting by the station

Barefoot on the stones
Seven years from Ponchatoula
Not one penny in my hand

Please mister help me
I come so far I cannot stand
He said We don't take no riders

No riders on this train
Go on ask the brakeman
He'll tell you just the same

I don't take no riders
Don't take no riders on this train
Best move on down the line, mama

Go on back from where you came
I done left my mama
When I was but a child

Took off with a young man
Started running wild
Seven years from Ponchatoula

Ain't nothin' gone my way
Please mister help me
Can't you hear a word I say?

He said We don't take no riders
No riders on this train
Go on ask the brakeman

He'll tell you just the same
I don't take no riders
Don't take no riders on this train

Best move on down the line, mama
Go on back from where you came