Manhattan, Kansas ain't no place to have a baby
When you got no man to give it his last name
And my folks back in Manhattan didn't want me or my bundle
So I took my child and caught an evening train.
And I found a job in Denver washing dishes in a diner
At least it buys my baby milk to drink
He once told me I was pretty but the only ring it got me
Was the ring of grease that runs around the sink
(Chorus)
Yes, I lay beside him gentle
'Cause he told me that he loved me
And he made me dance before the music played
But at least I didn't beg him
I'd rather wash his dishes
'Cause it makes me feel as if my hands are clean
At night I stand here thinkin'
'Bout the man back home in Kansas
And how his folks just turned away the shame
And I stare down through the soapsuds
And reached down and pull the drain plug
And I watch as Manhattan drains away
(Repeat chorus)
Yes it makes me feel as if my hands are clean
When you got no man to give it his last name
And my folks back in Manhattan didn't want me or my bundle
So I took my child and caught an evening train.
And I found a job in Denver washing dishes in a diner
At least it buys my baby milk to drink
He once told me I was pretty but the only ring it got me
Was the ring of grease that runs around the sink
(Chorus)
Yes, I lay beside him gentle
'Cause he told me that he loved me
And he made me dance before the music played
But at least I didn't beg him
I'd rather wash his dishes
'Cause it makes me feel as if my hands are clean
At night I stand here thinkin'
'Bout the man back home in Kansas
And how his folks just turned away the shame
And I stare down through the soapsuds
And reached down and pull the drain plug
And I watch as Manhattan drains away
(Repeat chorus)
Yes it makes me feel as if my hands are clean