Catfish John's home in the sweet delta dawn

Mama said, "Don't go near that river, Don't be hangin' around old Catfish John" But come the morning, I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg Traded for a chestnut mare He never spoke a word in anger Though his load was hard to bear Mama said, "Don't go near that river, Don't be hangin' around old Catfish John" But come the morning, I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn Catfish John was a river hobo He lived and died on the riverbend Thinking back, I still rememebr I was proud to be his friend