I can't recall my mother I don't remember dad
Mister and Mississippi was all I ever had
Oh I was born to wander oh I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home

Oh I was born to wander

My cradle was the river my school a river boat
My teacher was a gambler the slickest one afloat
He taught me not to gamble on a petticoat

My teacher was a gambler
Oh I was born to wander

Oh Betty Mae I love you I love you Betty Mae
I love you like a barefoot boy loves a summer day
The way a wand'ring gypsy loves the changing scenes
Just like the restless river loves old New Orleans

Oh I was born to wander