Down by the river that flows by the coal yard's 
Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down
There lives a girl everybody calls Patches
Patches my darling of old Shantytown

We planned to marry when June brought the summer
I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride
Now I don't see how that ever can happen
My folks say no and my heart breaks inside

Patches oh what can I do?
I swear, I'll always love you
But a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace
So my folks won't let me love you

Each night I cry as I think of that Shanty
And pretty patches there watching the door
She doesn't know that I can't come to see her
Patches must think that I love her no more

I hear a neighbor telling my father
He says, a girl name of Patches was found 
Floating face down in that dirty old river
That flows by the coal yards in old Shantytown

Patches oh what can I do?
I swear, I'll always love you
It may not be right but I'll join you tonight
Patches I'm coming to you