Take my letter down to southport
Send it on its way
Long down the river
My baby stays
Under the willow
I can still see her sweet face
Take my letter today
And if she don't love me
Or want me no more
Then I'll go down the river
And cry at her door
And if she won't answer
I'll howl like a dog
Down on my knees til' I can't howl anymore
I can't stand it no more
As I wait through the years
That run bye and bye
While this river winds down
My tears they stream long
And I'll carry your picture
Til' I'm dead and gone
The women I've been loving
Is doing me wrong
Been out on the river
Until the break of dawn
Oh when she comes home
I just wish she were gone
My love will never be the same
Until I'm dead and gone
I can't stand it no more
As I wait through the years
That run bye and bye
While this river winds down
My tears they stream long
And I'll carry your picture
Til' I'm dead and gone
Take my letter down to Southport
Send it on it's way
Long down the river
Where my Baby lay
Under the willow
The roots warm her grave
Take my letter today, take my letter today