Well, I spent the better part of my lifeOn a Mississippi riverboatI used to be known from coast to coastAs the slickest gambler afloatI dealt the cards from MinnesotaTo the harbor in New OrleansI made a lot of big money on a riverboatI lived a lot of pretty riverboat queensRiverboat, riverboatI love your whistle swayI wish I was back on the riverboatInstead of in a Memphis jailOh, a big man got on the riverboatOur last time in St. PaulHe had a lot of money but his luckWent down the riverboatWent bad, the riverboat won it allHe said, I dealt from the bottom of the deckHe pulled a shiny knifeBefore that gambler lunged at meMy 44 took his lifeRiverboat, riverboatI love your whistle swayI wish I was back on the riverboatInstead of in a Memphis jailWell, they came on the boatAnd they took me to jailWhen we got to TennesseeA gambling man has very few friendsGuess nobody cared for meSo I might be here for many long yearsBut if I ever get outI'm gonna head straight for that leveeAnd get me a riverboatIt's aRiverboatRiverboatRiverboatRiverboatRiverboatI love your whistle swayI wish I was back on the riverboatInstead of in a Memphis jailInstead of in a Memphis jail