[Verse 1]
I travelled from Texas to old Louisianne
Through valleys o'er mountains and plains
Both footsore and weary I rested awhile
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

[Verse 2]
The fairest young man that I ever did see
Passed by as it started to rain
We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

[Verse 3]
We hid from the shower an hour or so
He asked me how long I'd remain
I told him that I'd spend the rest of my days
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

[Verse 4]
I just couldn't tell him that I ran away
From jail on a west Texas plain
I prayed in my heart I would never be found
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

[Verse 5]
Then one day a man put his hand on my arm
And said I must go west again
I left him alone without saying goodbye
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
[Verse 6]
Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell
I know that he's waiting in vain
I'm hoping and praying someday to return
On the banks of the old Pontchartrain