Oh you Mississippi river, with waters so deep and wide
My thoughts of you keep risin', just like an evenin' tide
I'm just like a seagull, that's left the sea
Oh your muddy waters, keep on callin' me
I'm gonna pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging 'round again someday
'Cause I know, that's the only way to lose
The Mississippi river blues
(pattern verse & chorus)
I've often ridden on your bosom, from Memphis down to New Orleans
Floating over muddy waters, drifting through familiar scenes
And when I hear sound the whistle, of an old steam boat
Down that Mississippi river, again I must going to float
I'm gonna pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging 'round again someday
'Cause I know, that's the only way to lose
That mean ol' Mississippi river blues