I heard they named St Louis after some French king
She said she's name's Marie after the last French queen
The city of the king comes callin' when the sun goes down
But she only likes to call me when no one comes around

The lights on the river shine like a diamond ring
But I haven't got ten dollars in the city of the king
She's bruised behind the make-up painted on her face
Another man, another night, another spaded ace
More pain she can't erase

I may be just a jack but I treat her like a queen
Give her only love in the city of the king
One day the Mississippi will wash over everything
In the city of the king

Bottles on the table, dagger shining clean
East side Sunday mornings in the city of the king
We play a game of hearts when times for her are slow
I tell her that I love her but she only says I know

One night I came by saw a man with Marie
Fear behind her tears for the city of the king
I saw him raise his fist for the last time I swore
I cut him with my knife, left him bleeding on the floor
I can't come back here no more

I may be just a jack but I treat her like a queen
Give her only love in the city of the king
One day the Mississippi will wash over everything
In the city of the king

I laid low down in Memphis and for a time in New Orleans
Waitin' to return to the city of the king
But news rolled from upriver hit me cold like lead
Marie told folks she'd killed a man
Then they found her dead
In the river dead

I may be just a jack but I treat her like a queen
Gave her only love in the city of the king
One day the Mississippi will wash over everything
In the city of the king