I've gotta leave old Durham town
I've gotta leave old Durham town
And that leavin's going to get me down

Back in nineteen-forty-four
I remember Daddy walking out the door
Mama told me he was going to war
He was leaving
Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me.

When I was a boy I spent my time
Sitting on the banks of the River Thyme
Watching all the ships going down the line
They were leaving
Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me.

Last week Mama passed away
"Goodbye Son," was all she'd say
There's no cause for me to stay
So I'm leaving
Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving leaving