Dusty day dawning 
Three hours late 
Open the curtains 
And let the rest wait. 
My mind goes running 
Three thousand miles east 
I may miss the harvest 
But I won't miss the feast. 
 
Chorus 
And it looks like you're gonna 
Have to see me again 
And it looks like you're gonna 
Have to see me again 
And it looks like you're gonna 
Have to see me again. 
Illinois...oh, Illinois. 
 
South California 
Your sun is too cold 
It looks like your hills 
Have been raped of their gold. 
I should have come out 
When I was first told 
This lamb has got to 
Return to the fold. 
 
Chorus 
Illinois-I'm your boy. 
 
Flat on the prairies 
Soil and stone 
Stretching forever 
Taking me home 
'Cause I've got a woman 
Who waits for me there 
And I need a breath of that 
Sweet country air. 
 
Chorus 
Illinois-I'm your boy.