In the shadow of the city where the sun don't shine
Where it's a constant [bad word] 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