In the shadow of the city

Where the sun don't shine

Where it's a constant

Struggle just to stay alive

You hear a shot ring out

Somebody else has died

Ain't no good in Black Bottom

It's an evil place

Where a man can vanish

Without a single trace

Talk about the blues

People down there got ´ em

'Cause you ain't gotta chance

If you're down in Black Bottom

If you live in Black Bottom

You don't walk at night

'Cause some cat might cut you

Just to spark a fight

Talk about the blues

People down there got ´ em

'Cause you ain't gotta chance

If you're down in Black Bottom