Down by the river that flows by the coal yards stand wooden houses with shutters torn down. There lives a girl everybody calls Patches. Patches my darling of old Shantytown.
We planned to marry when June brought the summer. I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride; now I don't see how that ever can happen. My folks say no and my heart breaks inside.
Patches! Oh what can I do I swear I'll always love you but a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace so my folks won't let me love you.
Each night I cry as I think of that shanty and pretty patches there watching the door. She doesn't know that I can't come to see her Patches. Must think that I love her no more.
I hear a neighbor telling my father - he says a girl named-a Patches was found floating face down in that dirty old river that flows by the coal yards in old Shantytown.
Patches! Oh what can I do I swear I'll always love you. It may not be right, but I'll join you tonight. Patches, I'm coming to you.