I was just the age of sixteen when I first went on the drive
After six months' hard labor, at home I did arrive.
I courted with a pretty girl, it was her caused me to roam.
Now I'm a river driver, and I'm far away from home.
Chorus:
I'll eat when I am hungry, and I'll drink when I am dry.
Get drunk whenever I'm ready, get sober by and by.
And if this river don't drown me, it's down I'll mean to roam,
For I'm a river driver, and I'm far away from home.
I'll build a lonesome castle upon some mountain high
Where she can sit and view me as I go passing by
Where she can sit and view me as I go marching on
For I'm a river driver, and I am far from home.
Chorus
When I am old and feeble, and in my sickness lie,
Just wrap me up in a blanket and lay me down to die.
Just get a little bluebird to sing for me alone,
For I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.
Chorus
Chorus repeat
