Momma said, "Don't go near that river. Don't be hangin' 'round ol' Catfish John."
But come the mornin' I'd always be there, walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn.
Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg,
Traded for a chestnut mare.
He never spoke a word in anger
Though his load was hard to bear.
Repeat Chorus
Catfish John was a river hobo.
He lived and died on the river bend.
Lookin' back I still remember
I was proud to be his friend.
Repeat Chorus
Let me dream of another morning
And the time so long ago
When the sweet magnolias blossom
And the cotton fields were white as snow.
Repeat Chorus
Come the mornin' I'd always be there
Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn.
