Mama said, Don't go near that river""Font be hanging round old Catfish John
Come the morning I'd always be there
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn
Take me back to another morning (note 1)
To a time so long ago
When the sweet magnolia blossomed (note 2)
Cotton fields were white as snow
Catfish John was a river hobo
Lived and died by the river's bend
Looking back I still remember
I was proud to be his friend
Born a slave in the town of Richmond (note 3)
Traded for a chestnut mare
Lord, he never spoke in anger
Though his load was hard to bear
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

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