Cumberland River

 

I left old Kentucky in a blindin fall

Headed for the southland, haulin’ cedar logs

Long around Salina I saw the sky turn blue

Headed for the southland with a six man crew

 

Chorus:

Cumberland river carry me

On down the line to sunny  Tennessee

Shirley Mae’s a waitin’ lonely as can be

Cumberland river let me feel that southern breeze

 

Two days on the river the weather it got rough

Headed for the south bank we hit a big rock bluff

Workin like the devil to turn this boat around

Two miles south of Carthage we made it safe and sound

 

Chorus:

Cumberland River carry me….

 

Two more days of travel then I’ll draw my pay

Headed for the southland to see my Shirley Mae

I bought a can of sour gum and a sack of flower

Fifteen dollars waitin’ seven cents an hour

 

Chorus:

Cumberland River carry me….

 

Repeat Chorus:

Cumberland River carry me….

 

Repeat last line:

Cumberland River let me feel that southern breeze