Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below (you know what it is hon') If I ever get back home, I won't be back no more Oh, my mama's gettin' old, head is turnin' gray My mama's getting old, head is turnin' gray Don't you know it'll break her heart, know, my livin' this-a way? Ever woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed? Ever woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed? (Children, I know how it is, baby) Turned my face to the wall and I didn't have a word to say No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin' No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin' For you know you got a home, mama, long as I got mine Hey, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul (You know I wouldn't mistreat you!) I wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold Oh, goin' away, baby, don't you wanna go? I'm goin' away, sweet mama, don't you wanna go? (I know you wanna go, baby!) Take God to tell when I'll be back here anymore