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