Strayed down New Orleans town
I didn't think I'd be there long
A little while, southern style
Maybe pick me up a couple of new songs
Set down in a neighborhood bar
Just next to a dyed-blonde
The bartender inquired politely
Ya'll here today to ride out the storm
Said, excuse me, sir
I was thinkin' of movin' on
And does the weather 'round here
Really come on so strong
He smiled, and with his hand
Said, here, meet miss Joanne
She's been around this place
Ever since '71.

Said I guess I'll have to stay
Ain't much choice about it anyway
Now just like Joanne
I'm gonna make it outta here someday.

Now my mind's turnin' circles
I can't find the door
Somethin' must have loosened me up
I really don't remember for sure
I was hangin' round on spain last night
Across from the corner store
I think I even saw Joanne down there
She had a friend
Oh, boy, she was ready to ball
She had way too much to say
About nothin' much at all
It was all I could do
To focus in on her scar
She said we're headed out to the lake tonight
Take a drive up by the shore
And we can take it easy
It's only just a quarter til four
I said, thank you just the same
It's gettin' too late anyway
Just like Joanne
I knew she was playin' the game

Said I think I'll have to stay
Not much choice about it anyway
Just like Joanne
I'm gonna make it outta here someday