A Long Way From Tupelo

On a hot Sunday evening
I was drive in the country
When I felt my left-front tire blow
In the trunk I had a spare
But the jack wasn't there
On a desolate gravel road

Just across the street
Was a two-room shack
And a girl shelling peas on the porch
When she ran out to meet me in a white cotton dress
All I could say was; 'Praise the Lord!'

Yeah, I was a long way from Topelo
A long ways from Topelo
Yeah, I was stranded in a place that nobody knows
I was a long was from Topelo

She said; 'My mamma's not home
And we don't have a phone
But if there's anything I can do
I'd be happy to pour you some cold iced tea
Because I think you're kind of cute'

We went inside and sat down on the couch
And that girl started up on me
And just like Adam and that Garden of Eden
She showed me that apple and I got weak

I was a long way from Topelo
A long ways from Topelo
Yeah, I was stranded in a place that nobody knows
I was a long was from Topelo

Well, her mother showed up and saw me there
Said what in the world's going on
She answered; 'Mamma, don't worry
He's a real nice man'
Who's broke down and ain't got a way home
Daddy gave me a ride
I gave him $20 for his trouble and a tank of gas
It was a day I always remember
But if my wife ever asks
I'd say;

I was a long way from Topelo
A long ways from Topelo
Yeah, I was stranded in a place that nobody knows