i'd fly up the river to the one i love
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

i've got a man, he's long and tall
moves his body like a cannon ball
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

one of these days and it won't be long
call my name and I'll be gone
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

i remember one night, a drizzling rain
round my heart i felt an achin' pain
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

when i wore my apron low
couldn't keep you from my do''
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

now i wear my apron high
scarcely ever see you passing by
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

now my apron's up to my chin
you pass my door and you won't come in
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well

if i had listened to what my mama said
i'd be at home in my mama's bed
fare thee well, oh honey, fare thee well