THE BANKS OF THE OLD PONTCHARTRAIN
From the Wolf Folklore Collection. SheetMusic(pdf)
I traveled from Texas to low Louisian',
Through valleys, o'er mountains and plain.
Both footsore and weary, I rested a while
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
The fairest young maiden that I ever saw
Passed by as it started to rain.
We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
I ventured a smile, but she thought I was bold.
I hastened to try and explain,
But somehow I knew I would linger a while
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
We hid from the shower an hour or so.
She asked me how long I'd remain.
I told her I'd spend the rest of my life
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
As time drifted by, we fell deeper in love,
A love that could just bring her pain.
I knew that one day I would leave her alone
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
I just couldn't tell her that I ran away
From jail on an old Texas plain.
I prayed in my heart I would never be found
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
Then one day a man put his hand on my arm
And said I must go west again.
I left her alone without saying goodbye,
On the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.
Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell,
I know that she's waiting in vain.
I'm hoping and praying someday to return
To the banks of the Old Pontchartrain.