Steamin' down the muddy waters
Travelin' yonder from bay to bay
I been workin' on the barge line
Fourteen years ago today
Eighteen hours hard labor by the day
Ain't much pay for a man

Haulin' coal down the down river
And he won't be comin' home for a long time

Torches burning by the riverside
Cast their shadows grey as stone
And the cool October days replacing
Much warmer thoughts of home
I can still see grandma sittin' on the porch
Tellin' the neighbors she's got a grandson

Haulin' coal down the down river
And he won't be comin' home for a long time

River's rising up the marker line
While the willows softly moan
Sun is rising over the starboard shore
Paving the golden road back home

I can still see the kids jumpin' rope
But there ain't much hope for a man
Haulin' coal down the down river
And he won't be comin' home for a long time

Haulin' coal down the down river
I'll be gone a long time

Haulin' coal down the down river
I'll be gone a long while