On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain

I traveled from Texas to old Louisanne

Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains

Both footsore and weary I rested awhile

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.

The fairest young maiden that I ever saw

Passed by as it started to rain

We both found a shelter beneath the same tree

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.

We hid from the shower an hour or so

She asked me how long I'd remain

I told her that I'd spend the rest of my days

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.

I just couldn't tell her that I ran away

From jail on a West Texas plain

I prayed in my heart I would never be found

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.

Then one day a man put his hand on my arm

And said I must go west again

I left her alone without saying goodbye

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.

Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell

I know that she's waiting in vain

I'm hoping and praying someday to return

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain