Bring a drink of water Leroy, bring a drink of water no

If I could get to the mercy man, he'd give me some I know 

I got a gal in Vickburg, Bertha is her name 

Lord I Wish I was tied to Bertha, instead of this ball and chain 

I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm

I'm goin' to Memphis



But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 

Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 

I'm goin' to Memphis

Well I've never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place

I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face

I'm goin' to Memphis, mmm

I'm goin' to Memphis



Just like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 

Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 

I'm goin' to Memphis



Well I brought me a little water in a Mr. Prince Albert can

But the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I believe he broke my hand, hmm

Another boy is down the shovel burned him out

Let me stand on his body, to see what the shoutin's about 

I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm

I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm



Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 

Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 

I'm goin' to Memphis yeah

Memphis bound

I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm, hmm