Oh you Mississippi River, with waters so deep and wide
My thoughts of you keep risin', just like an evening 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 some day
'Cause I know that's the only way to lose
The Mississippi river blues

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 that whistle of an old steamboat
Down that Mississippi river again I'm a-going to float

I'm gonna pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging 'round again some day
'Cause I know that's the only way to lose
That mean old Mississippi river blues