Catfish John Lyrics

Mama said, "Don't go near that river,
Don't be hanging around old Catfish John."
Come 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 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 chesnut mare,
Lord, he never spoke in anger
Though his load was hard to bear.

Mama said, "Don't go near that river,
Don't be hanging around old Catfish John."
Come 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.