Songwriter: John R. Cash
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
And the tears that I cried for that woman are going to flood you, Big River
Then I’m going to sit right here until I die
[Verse 1]
I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, Southern drawl
Then I heard my dream was back Downstream cavorting in Davenport
And I followed you, Big River, when you called
[Verse 2]
Then you took me to St. Louis later on down the river
A freighter said she’s been here but she’s gone, boy, she’s gone
I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the block
She raised a few eyebrows and then she went on down alone
[Verse 3]
Now, won’t you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
Go on, I’ve had enough; dump my blues down in the gulf
She loves you, Big River, more than me
[Chorus]
Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry cry cry
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
And the tears that I cried for that woman are going to flood you Big River
Then I’m going to sit right here until I die