Catfish John (Studio Outtake) Songtext / Lyric

Mama said, "Don't go near that river

Don't be hanging around Old Catfish John

Come in the morning, I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn"



Take me back to another morning

To a time so long ago

When the sweet Magnolia blossomed

Cotton fields as white as snow






Catfish John was a river hobo

Who lived and died by the river's bed

Looking back, I still remember

I was proud to be his friend



Mama said, "Don't go near that river

Don't be hanging around Old Catfish John

Come in the morning, I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn"



Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg

Traded for a chestnut mare

Lord, her never spoke in anger

Though his load was hard to bear



Mama said, "Don't go near that river

Come in the morning, I'd always be there

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn"