Catfish John – Jerry Garcia (originally by Bob McDill)
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Momma said, don’t go near that river Don’t be hangin’ around old Catfish John Come the mornin’ I’d always be there Walkin’ in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn
Bring me back to another mornin’ To a time so long ago When the sweet magnolia blossom Cotton fields was white as snow
Catfish John was a river hobo Livin’ down by the river’s bed Lookin’ back, I still remember I was proud to be his friend
Momma said, don’t go near that river Don’t be hangin’ around old Catfish John Come the mornin’ I’d always be there Walkin’ in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn
Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg Traded for a chestnut mare But still he never spoke in anger Though his load was hard to bear
Momma said, don’t go near that river Don’t be hangin’ around old Catfish John Come the mornin’ I’d always be there Walkin’ in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn …