I went up the levee to pack some sacks
And I thought Id bring me some money back.
Big boat up the river and she cant come down.
My woman on the levee wearing a frown.

Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down

Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Theres a big boat up the river and she cant come down

Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river blowing loud and fast
If she dont get to deep water shell never land
And my woman on the levee shaking her hand,
She thinks shes gonna quit me for another man

Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down

Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Theres a big boat up the river and she cant come down

Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river blowing loud and fast
And my woman on the levee feeling mighty sad
She thinks I got the money that I once had had
But when I get her home its gonna be too bad.

Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down
Big boat up the river and she cant come down

Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Somebody tell that woman
Theres a big boat up the river and she cant come down