Down by the river that flows by the coal yards

Stands wooden houses with shutters torn down

There lives a girl everybody calls Patches

Patches my darling of Old Shanty town



We plan to marry when June brought the summer

I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride

Now I don't see how that ever can happen

My folks say no, and my heart breaks inside



Patches oh what can I do

I swear I'll always love you

But a girl from that place

Would just bring me disgrace

So my folks won't let me love you



Each night I cry as I think of that shanty

And pretty Patches there watchin' the door

She doesn't know that I can't come to see her

Patches must think that I love her no more



I hear a neighbor tellin' my father

He says a girl name of Patches was found

Floating face down in that dirty old river

That flows by the coal yards in Old Shanty Town



Patches oh what can I do

I swear I'll always love you

It may not be right but I'll join you tonight

Patches I'm coming to you