Steamin' down the muddy waters

Travelin' yonder from bay to bay

I been workin' on the barge line

Fourteen years ago today

Eighteen hours hard labor by the day

Ain't much pay for a man



Chorus:

Haulin' coal down the down river

And he won't be comin' home for a long time



Torches burning by the riverside

Cast their shadows grey as stone

And the cool october days replacing

Much warmer thoughts of home

I can still see grandma sittin' on the porch

Tellin' the neighbors she's got a grandson



Chorus:

Haulin' coal down the down river

And he won't be comin' home for a long time



River's rising up the marker line

While the willows softly moan

Sun is rising over the starboard shore

Paving the golden road back home



I can still see the kids jumpin' rope

But there ain't much hope for a man



Chorus:

Haulin' coal down the down river

And he won't be comin' home for a long time



Haulin' coal down the down river

I'll be gone a long time



Haulin' coal down the down river

I'll be gone a long while