A man came to our house
I believe it was yesterday
I would have invited him in
But I didn't have a lot to say
His anticipation of me opening the door
Outweighed my apprehension as it never had before
And drove my concentration
Right through that hardwood floor
Ooh-ooh, uh-huh

I'm taking a walk
I'm going outside
I'm taking a walk
I'm just gettin' by

There's a girl in the white house
I don't even know her name
Her disheveled appearance
Speaks volumes of shame
It's an embarrassing situation
But a situation just the same
The way she walks on others
And never takes the blame
Upsets my constitution
Beyond its motor frame
Ooh-ooh, uh-huh

I'm taking a walk (taking a walk)
I'm going outside (going outside)
I'm watching the birds (taking a walk)
I'm just gettin' by (just getting by)

Found a card in the pocket
Of my worn out overalls
From a girl in Cedar Rapids
Now residing in Idaho Falls
I wish you could've been there
When she opened up the door
And looked me in the face
Like she never did before
I felt about as welcome
As a Wal-Mart superstore
Ooh-ooh, uh-huh

I'm taking a walk (taking a walk)
I'm going outside (going outside)
I'm taking a walk (taking a walk)
I don't need a ride (just getting by)
I'm watching the birds (taking a walk)
Flying so high (going outside)
I'm just gettin' by

Copyright: Downtown Music Publishing
Writer(s): John Prine, Pat McLaughlin