Lost John standing by the railroad track
Waiting for the freight train to come back
Freight train come and it didn't stop
Lost John thought he'd have to ride on top

Long, long lost John
Long, long lost John

Lost John came to
The country from the South
Sat there as quiet
As quiet as a mouse

Lost John said, be my friend
Be my friend until the end
Long, long lost John
Long, long John

Woman say don't have no fear
I'm going to the corner to get some beer
Lost John say, don't buy no beer
Sheriff 's on my trail and he'll soon be here

Long, long lost John
Long, long lost John

If anyone asks you
Who taught you this song
Just say Lonnie Donegan
Has been and gone

Long, long lost John
Long, long lost John