I got a letter, this is the way it read
I got a letter, this is the way it read
It says, hurry home Tampa the gal you love is dead

I went to the station but that southbound train had gone
I went to the station but that southbound train had gone
I hung my head and I began to mourn

She wasn't dead but she was very 'lone
She wasn't dead but she was very 'lone
I heard her when she whispered, “Tampa look like I'm booked to go”

I followed my baby to the burial ground
I followed my baby to the burial ground
An' I watched the paul bearer slowly let her down

I know I would never see her smilin' face again
I know I would never see her smilin' face again
But I will always remember she sure has been my friend