Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry,
and I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky.
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood 
you Big River.
Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die.

I met her accidentally in St. Paul (Minnesota).
And it tore me up ev'ry time I heard her drawl, Southern 
drawl.
Then I heard my dream was back downstream cavortin' in 
Davenport,
And I followed you, Big River, when you called.

A freighter said she's been here but she's gone, boy, 
she's gone.
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the 
block.
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down 
alone.

Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, 
roll it on.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
Go on, I"ve had enough; dump my blues down in the gulf.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.