Catfish John

Mama said: Don't go near that river

Don't be hanging around old Catfish John

Come in the morning, I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

Take me back to another morning, to a time so long ago

When the sweet magnolia blossomed, cotton fields as white as snow

Catfish John was a river hobo who lived and died by the river's bed

Looking back I still remember I was proud to be his friend

Mama said: Don't go near that river

Don't be hanging around old Catfish John

Come in the morning I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg, traded for a chestnut mare

Lord her never spoke in anger though his load was hard to bear

Mama said: Don't go near that river

Come in the morning I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn