Catfish John Lyrics

Mama said don't go near that river
Don't be hangin' around old catfish John
But come the morning I'd always be there
Walking in his footsteps in 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.

Mama said don't go near that river
Don't be hangin' around old catfish John
But come the morning I'd always be there
Walking in his footsteps in sweet delta dawn.
Catfish John was a river hobo
He lived and died on the river bend
Thinkin' back I still remember
I was proud to be his friend.

Mama said don't go near that river
Don't be hangin' around old catfish John
But come the morning I'd always be there
Walking in his footsteps in sweet delta dawn.