I went down to Duffy's bar with depression on my mind Just to blow off a little steam and try to unwind Times were getting tough with no relief in sight Last straw I lost my job, next straw your life Knock on knockin' lost John The Great Depression was going strong Hard times comin' on Long gone knockin' lost John Born on the south side, got my schoolin' at the pool hall Saturday night we get back to back, Sunday mornin', wall to wall Never seen nothing like it, people jumpin' out of windows and going mad That's not half as bad as losin' what you never had Back in 1929 it was livin' hell Crime was on the rise when the bottom fell Keepin' poverty pocket high upon the hill Back door you lock it, they'll break it still