Mama said don't go near that riverDon't be hanging round old Catfish JohnCome the morning I'd always be thereWalking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawnLet me dream of another morningAnd a time so long agoWhen the sweet magnolia blossomedCotton fields were white as snowCatfish John was a river hoboLiving by the river bendThinking back I still rememberI was proud to be his friendMama said don't go near that riverDon't be hanging round old Catfish JohnDon't be hanging round old Catfish JohnCome the morning I'd always be thereWalking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawnBorn a slaveIn the town of New YorkIn the town of VicksburgTraded for a chestnut mareBut still he never spoke in angerThough his load was hard to bearMama said don't go near that riverDon't be hanging round old Catfish JohnCome the morning I'd always be thereWalking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawnMama said don't go near that riverDon't be hanging round old Catfish JohnCome the morning I'd always be there