[Verse 1]
Take my letter down to Southport
And send it on its way
Oh, down the river
My baby stays
Under the willow
I see her sweet face
Take my letter today
If she won't love me
Or want me no more
I'll go down the river
And I'll cry at her door
And if she won't answer
I'll howl like a dog
Down on my knees 'til I can't howl anymore
[Hook 1]
I can't stand it no more
As I wait through the years
That run bye and bye
While this river winds down
My tears they stream long
And I'll carry your picture
'Til I'm dead and gone
[Verse 2]
The woman I've been loving
Is doing me wrong
Been out on the river
'Til the break of dawn
Oh, when she comes home
I just wish I were gone
And my love will never be the same
Until I'm dead and gone
[Hook 2]
I can't stand it no more
As I wait through the years
That run bye and bye
This river winds down
While my tears they stream long
And love will never be the same
Until I'm dead and gone
Until I'm dead and gone
[Verse 3]
Take my letter down to Southport
And send it on it's way
Oh, down the river
My baby lay
Under the willow
The roots warm her grave
Take my letter today
Take my letter today