Banks of old Pontchertrain

I travelled from Texas to old Louisianne Through valleys o'er mountains and plains Both footsore and weary I rested awhile On the banks of the old Pontchartrain The fairest young man that I ever did see Passed by as it started to rain We both found a shelter beneath the same tree On the banks of the old Pontchartrain We hid from the shower an hour or so He asked me how long I'd remain I told him that I'd spend the rest of my days On the banks of the old Pontchartrain I just couldn't tell him that I ran away From jail on a west Texas plain I prayed in my heart I would never be found On the banks of the old Pontchartrain Then one day a man put his hand on my arm And said I must go west again I left him alone without saying goodbye On the banks of the old Pontchartrain Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell I know that he's waiting in vain I'm hoping and praying someday to return On the banks of the old Pontchartrain