My home for as long as I can remember
Sweet Illinois was there

The kitchen always filled with laughter
Sweet Illinois was there

The fields of corn and golden rods
Sweet Illinois was there

I ask to play, and mother nods
Sweet Illinois was there

There's something wrong with Mom, I know
Sweet Illinois was there

She says she's okay and tells me to go
Sweet Illinois was there

She stays in bed for longer each day
Sweet Illinois was there

She seems to be worse, withering away
Sweet Illinois was there

Now she's gone, as am I
Sweet Illinois was there

I have left that place all behind
Bittersweet Illinois was there