"This Property Is Condemned" lyrics - MARIA MCKEE

Twenty-seventh wagon full of cotton
Was parked outside my chicken shack door
I kept my crib covered up in satin
In case my baby came around for more
Now I feel, Daddy, somethin's not the same
'Cause there's weeds, and there's rust
And the roof won't hold the rain

[Chorus:]
I remember better days
Lace in every window
And roses 'round the gate
Now they've chased away all my friends
And they've locked me out
And hung a sign on the fence
That says this property is condemned

Take me down to the Viex Carre
Where a little girl can get a bed or a bit
If you should see me
Coughin' round the corner
Won't you mix in a little sugar
With my tonic tonight
I can feel like I'm part of the parade
'Cause I feel like there's bourbon
Slappin' around in my veins
I remember better days...

I got a new tiara, Daddy
Take me to the Mardi Gras
Buy me cotton candy, dress me up in flowers
Let me be your "baby doll"
We can ditch that social worker
In and out the swingin' doors on Tchoupitoulas Street
You may call me jailbait
But I ain't too little to take the heat
I can feel phantoms blowin' through my brain
And I feel, like I need someone to make 'em go away
I remember better days...