Down by the river that flows by the coal yards stand wooden houses with shutters torn down There lives a girl everybody calls Patches Patches my darling of old Shantytown
We planned to marry when June brought the summer I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride now I don't see how that ever can happen My folks say no and my heart breaks inside
Patches oh what can I do I swear I'll always love you but a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace so my folks won't let me love you
Each night I cry as I think of that shanty and pretty patches there watching the door She doesn't know that I can't come to see her Patches must think that I love her no more
I hear a neighbor telling my father he says a girl name of Patches was found floating face down in that dirty old river that flows by the coal yards in old Shantytown
Patches oh what can I do I swear I'll always love you It may not be right but I'll join you tonight Patches I'm coming to you