I went up the levee to pack some sacks   And I thought I'd bring me some money back   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   My woman on the levee wearing a frown      Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down      Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   There's a big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down      Big boat up the river blowing loud and fast   If she don't get to deep water she'll never land   And my woman on the levee shaking her hand   She thinks she's gonna quit me for another man      Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down      Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   There's a big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down      Big boat up the river blowing loud and fast   And my woman on the levee feeling mighty sad   She thinks I got the money that I once have had   But when I get her home it's gonna be too bad      Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down   Big boat up the river and she can't come down      Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   Somebody tell that woman   There's a big boat up the river and she can't come down