D
Well Johnson Van Dyke Grigsby was paroled in '89 
G                                               D
He never walked on a carpet never tasted dinner wine 
A                               G
His old eyes were slowly fadin' as he walked out of the gate 
 D                                                     A  D                
And he breathed the first free air he'd breathed since 19-0-8 

[Chorus]
G
Howdy do Michigan City you're sure pretty sight 
D
But I know there's bigger cities and more excitin' nights 
G
But I think your girls're pretty and I love your children too 
D
Michigan City Indiana howdy do Michigan City Indiana howdy do 
A                D
Michigan City Indiana howdy do 

[Verse]
D
Filled with the joy of freedom he didn't know that he was old 
G                                                         D
Cause time don't really matter when it's bubblin' in your soul 
A                                         G
Well I don't think he was bitter cause he sure had a smile 
D                                        A                     D
And down the streets of Michigan City he walked his first free miles 

[Chorus]
G
Howdy do Michigan City you're sure pretty sight 
D
But I know there's bigger cities and more excitin' nights 
G
But I think your girls're pretty and I love your children too 
D
Michigan City Indiana howdy do Michigan City Indiana howdy do 
A                D
Michigan City Indiana howdy do