Bring a drink of water Leroy, bring a drink of water no 
If I could get to the mercy man, he'd give me some I know 
I got a gal in Vickburg, Bertha is her name 
Lord I Wish I was tied to Bertha, instead of this ball and chain 
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm 
I'm goin' to Memphis 
 
But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 
Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 
I'm goin' to Memphis 

Well I've never been to Chicago, but it must be a mighty fine place 
I couldn't get past Tennessee, with Mississippi all over my face 
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm 
I'm goin' to Memphis 

But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 
Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 
I'm goin' to Memphis 

Well I brought me a little water in a Mr. Prince Albert can 
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it, and I believe he broke my hand, hmm 
Another boy is down the shovel burned him out 
Let me stand on his body, to see what the shoutin's about 
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm 
I'm goin' to Memphis, hmm 

But like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's thru and I am too 
Let the honky tonk roll on, come mornin' I'll be gone 
I'm goin' to Memphis 

Yeah, Memphis bound 
I'm goin' to Memphis, mhm, hmm