James River Blues

James River blues

I just heard the awful news

I could steer around the rocks

But they're bustin' down the docks

James River blues

That train came on through

And the work's gotten slow

Now where's a boat man to go?

I think I'll float on down

To Richmond town

They don't need us anymore

Hauling freight from shore to shore

That big iron hauls much more

Than we ever could before

I've seen good men going wrong

I've seen bad ones get it right

As that river rolls along

I'll be steppin' out tonight

On the cool flow

Floatin' down, down below

The bridge to the water's edge

From the ridge to the ledge

From the hills to the sea

I'll become a memory

James River blues

James River blues

James River blues