Bring a drink of water Leroy, bring a drink of water now,
if I could get to the mercy man he'd give me some I know.
I got a gal in Vicksburg Bertha is her name,
Lord, I wish I was tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain.
I'm going' to Memphis, mm mm, I'm going' to Memphis.
But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed,
but when the levee's thru and I am, too,
let the honky tonk roll on, come morning' I'll be gone.
I'm going' to Memphis.
Well, I never been to Chicago, but it must be a mighty fine place
I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face.
I'm going' to Memphis, mm, I'm going' to Memphis.
Just like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed,
but when the levee's thru and I am, too,
let the honky tonk roll on, come morning' I'll be gone.
I'm going' to Memphis.
Well, I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can,
but the boss man caught me drinking' it,
and I believe he broke my hand. Mm.
Another boy is down the shovel burned him out,
let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin's about.
I'm going' to Memphis, mm mm, I'm going' to Memphis, mm mm.
Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed,
but when the levee's thru and I am, too,
let the honky tonk roll on, come morning' I'll be gone.
I'm going' to Memphis, yeah, Memphis bound.
I'm going' to Memphis, mm.