I hear a whistle, i hear a moan
must be my baby coming home
she's been down in tupelo,
singing that river boat song
she is a dancer, a river queen
she'll teach them gamblers most anything
she's been down in tupelo,
singing that river boat song
many nights i spend alone
many days there ain't nobody home
many times i wish she was here
yeah, that river boat whistle blows
i know she's getting near
river captain, bring my baby home
i get so lonesome since she's been gone
she's been down in tupelo,
working the river boat song