I went down to the river to watch the fish swim by;
When I got down to the river so lonesome I wanted to die..., Oh Lord!
But then I jumped in the river, but the doggone river was dry.
And now he's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.

I had me a man who couldn't be true.
He made me for my money then he made me blue.
A man needs a woman that he can lean on,
But my leanin' post is done left and gone.
And now he's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.

I'm gonna find me a river, one that's cold as ice.
And when I find me that river, Lord
I'm gonna pay the price, Oh Lord!
I'm goin' down in it three times, but Lord I'm only comin up twice.
And now he's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.

He told me on Sunday he was takin' me out;
Long about Monday he was nowhere about.
And here it is Tuesday, ain't had no news.
I got them long but not forgotten blues.
And now he's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.
And now he's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue.