I can't recall my mother I don't remember dad Mister and Mississippi was all I ever had Oh, I was born to wander I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home My cradle was the river My school a river boat My teacher was a gambler The slickest one afloat My teacher was a gambler The slickest one afloat He taught me not to gamble on a petticoat Oh, I was born to wander I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home Oh, darlin' how I love you What more is there to say I love you like a barefoot girl Loves the summer day The way a wanderin' gypsy Loves the changing sea Just like the restless river Loves old New Orleans I love a tiny village A quiet country town A house, a little garden With kiddies runnin' 'round You'd be a faithful husband I'd be a trusty friend Until I heard that steamboat Comin' 'round the bend Oh, I was born to wander I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home Oh, I was born to wander I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home