Well I taught the weeping willow how to cry

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River

Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die

Oh I met her accidentaly in St Paul Minnesota

And it tore me up every 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

Then you took me to St Louis later on down the river

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 went on down alone

[ steel - guitar ]

Now won't you batter down by Boton 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

Oh she loves you Big River more than me

Yeah I taught the weeping willow how to cry cry cry

And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky

And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River

Then I'm gonna sit right here until I die