 Both versions of the song open with the protagonist kneeling at a crossroads to ask God 's mercy , while the second sections tells of his failed attempts to hitch a ride . In the third and fourth sections , he expresses apprehension at being stranded as darkness approaches and asks that his friend Willie Brown be advised that " I 'm sinkin ' down " . The first take of the song , which was used for the single , includes a fifth verse that is not included in the second take . In it he laments not having a " sweet woman " in his distress . 
