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 had 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