Chorus Mama said, "Don't go near that river" "Don't be hanging round 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 (note 1) To a time so long ago When the sweet magnolia blossomed (note 2) Cotton fields were white as snow
Catfish John was a river hobo Lived and died by the river's bend Looking back I still remember I was proud to be his friend
[chorus]
Born a slave in the town of Richmond (note 3) Traded for a chestnut mare Lord, he never spoke in anger Though his load was hard to bear
[chorus]
[chorus] Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn
