Written by Robbie Smith
Riding the riverboat on its journey
Lord, it’s a long long way
But it’s turnin’ mild on the old Missouri
With the sun cuttin’ through the grey
Been working up north a-cursin’ the weather
And shivering in the snow
Dreamin’ of the day I’d break my tether
And southward I would go
I’ll lay you a bet with the time we’re makin’
We’re bound to be there soon
With a ten piece band swingin’ and a-swayin’
Playin’ a dixieland tune
Orders comin’ down from the riverboat master
“Keep those tugs in view”
That mighty wheel is a-spinnin’ faster
Better let that riverboat through
Instrumental
Out on the deck with my banjo ringin’
Rollin’ right along – with people all around
Swayin’ and a-swingin’ – singin’ a riverboat song
Paddle on riverboat – keep a paddlin’ just for me
Paddle on riverboat – oh ho – until I’ve won my liberty
Instrumental
Been writin’ to a girl thinkin’ ‘bout a wedding
I can almost hear those bells
I’ve earned my liberty and now I’m headin’
To the city where my sweetheart dwells
There’s a lock of her hair and a four leaf clover
In a letter that she sent to me
I’m beginning to think that the worst is over
And the best still waitin’ to be
Out on the deck with my banjo ringin’
Rollin’ right along – with people all around
Swayin’ and a-swingin’ – singin’ a riverboat song
Hear them sing, now…
Paddle on riverboat – keep a paddlin’ just for me
Paddle on riverboat- oh ho – until I’ve won my liberty
Paddle on riverboat – keep a paddlin just for me
Paddle on riverboat…..Riverboat (riverboat)
‘Till at long last I am free