Bring a drink of water Leroy, bring a drink of water no
If I could get to the mercy man, he'd give me some I know
I got a gal in Vickburg, Bertha is her name
Lord I Wish I was tied to Bertha, instead of this ball and chain
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis

[Chorus:]

But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis

Well I've never been to Chicago, but it must be a mighty fine place
I couldn't get past Tennessee, with Mississippi all over my face
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis

[Chorus]

Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it, and I believe he broke my hand, hmm
Another boy is down the shovel burned him out
Let me stand on his body, to see what the shoutin's about
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm

[Chorus]

Yeah, Memphis bound
I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm, hmm