Steamin' Down The Muddy Waters
Travelin' Yonder From Bay To Bay
I Been Workin' On The Barge Line
Fourteen Years Ago Today
Eighteen Hours Hard Labor By The Day
Ain't Much Pay For A Man

Chorus:
Haulin' Coal Down The Down River
And He Won't Be Comin' Home For A Long Time

Torches Burning By The Riverside
Cast Their Shadows Grey As Stone
And The Cool October Days Replacing
Much Warmer Thoughts Of Home
I Can Still See Grandma Sittin' On The Porch
Tellin' The Neighbors She's Got A Grandson

Chorus:
Haulin' Coal Down The Down River
And He Won't Be Comin' Home For A Long Time

River's Rising Up The Marker Line
While The Willows Softly Moan
Sun Is Rising Over The Starboard Shore
Paving The Golden Road Back Home

I Can Still See The Kids Jumpin' Rope
But There Ain't Much Hope For A Man

Chorus:
Haulin' Coal Down The Down River
And He Won't Be Comin' Home For A Long Time

Haulin' Coal Down The Down River
I'll Be Gone A Long Time

Haulin' Coal Down The Down River
I'll Be Gone A Long While