"Illinois Central" lyrics

Henry jumped down put his feet on holy ground
Left the Illinois Central behind
Sidesteppin' ties and rails with young feet that don't fail
East St. Louis station at night
Mr. Henry has arrived
1923 there's opportunity
Not the land of the free but it's home
With excitement l pray Ill find a better day
Away from the mean old south
That's the reason I roam

Little did I know both heaven and hell are here
Experiences I never dreamed I'd report
Like Ice Pick Mama and running bootleg whiskey
And that backstabbin' J.D. Short

I worked a hotel to stay ahead for a spell
Kept my ramblin' ways in check
But I still miss the smoky gold and glitter
Stayin' up for days, findin' ways to cheat death
I pray this world changes
From the sins and mistakes of the past
Too many friends around me have fallen
Just want the freedom to be
Who I am is all I ask

Little did I know both heaven and hell are here
Experiences I never dreamed I'd report
Like Ice Pick Mama and runnin' bootleg whiskey
And that backstabbin' J.D. Short