Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
And I asked her if she would do me a favor
And kindly take this message to the other side

Well, if you see my savior tell him that you saw me
And when you saw me I was on my way
You may meet some boyfriends who may ask about me
You tell 'em I am a comin' home someday

I was standin' by the bedside of a sister
Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
And I asked her if she would do me a favor
And kindly take this message to the other side

Well you may have to make this journey on without me
Sooner or later, sooner or later it's a debt that must be paid
When you reach that goal that's when you'll think about me
But don't forget to tell my savior what I said

I was standin' by the bedside of a sister
Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
And I asked her if she would do me a favor
And kindly take this message to the other side