A five dollar bill, and knee-deep snow
The trio set out, temperatures low.
Thumbed the distance, destination New Orleans
Where one would rendezvous, man of her dreams.

Cousin was homesick, day they arrived
"Time to turn back", she started to cry.
Cobblestone Bourbon Street, filthy mattress they laid
Rested awhile, listened to the great "Satchmo" play.

Hitched a ride, to Greenville, South Carolina
Jailed for vagrancy, for she was a minor.
Cousin rode the bus, money wired by her mother
Boyfriend in a hospital bed, he endured and suffered.

Her mother made her pay, runaways price
Released to the custody, strangers, husband and wife.
High heels, chiffon dress, bouffant hair, stuffed bra
Introduced her to the Amvets, well known soldiers' bar.

Black two-piece outfit, white fringes, midriff bare
Fishnet stockings, was all they gave her to wear.
Danced to a jukebox, three songs for a quarter
Home at last, mother forgave, her prodigal daughter.