I was just the age of sixteen when I first went on the drive

After six months' hard labor, at home I did arrive.

I courted with a pretty girl, it was her caused me to roam.

Now I'm a river driver, and I'm far away from home.



Chorus:

I'll eat when I am hungry, and I'll drink when I am dry.

Get drunk whenever I'm ready, get sober by and by.

And if this river don't drown me, it's down I'll mean to roam,

For I'm a river driver, and I'm far away from home.



I'll build a lonesome castle upon some mountain high

Where she can sit and view me as I go passing by

Where she can sit and view me as I go marching on

For I'm a river driver, and I am far from home.



Chorus



When I am old and feeble, and in my sickness lie,

Just wrap me up in a blanket and lay me down to die.

Just get a little bluebird to sing for me alone,

For I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.



Chorus



Chorus repeat