Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water (no)
If I could get to mercy man he's give me some I know
I got a gal in Vickburg Bertha is her name
Lord I Wish I's tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord) yeah (uh huh)

Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis

I never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place (that's right)
I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face (uh huh)
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord Memphis)

Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis

Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I believe he broke my hand (hm hm)
Well another boy is down the shovel burned him out
Let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin's about
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah I'm goin' to Memphis hmm

Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis