Manhattan, Kansas



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