(Verse 1)
De Glendy Burk is a mighty fast boat
Wid a mighty fast captain, too
He sits up dah on de hurricane roof
And he keeps his eye on de crew
I can't stay here, for dey work too hard
I’m bound to leave dis town
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down

(Chorus)
Ho for Louisiana!
I’m bound to leave dis town
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down

(Verse 2)
De Glendy Burk has a funny old crew
And dey sing de boatman's song
Dey burn de pitch and de pine knot too
For to shove de boat along
De smoke goes up and de engine roars
And de wheel goes round and round
So fare you well, for I'll take a little ride
When de Glendy Burk comes down
(Chorus)
Ho for Louisiana!
I'm bound to leave dis town
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down

(Verse 3)
I’ll work all night in de wind and storm
I’ll work all day in de rain
Till I find myself on de levy dock
In New Orleans again
Dey make me mow in de hayfield here
And knock my head wid de flail
I'll go wha dey work wid de sugar and de cane
And roll on de cotton bale

(Chorus)
Ho for Louisiana!
I’m bound to leave dis town
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down

(Verse 4)
My lady love is as pretty as pink
I'll meet her on de way
I’ll take her back to de sunny old south
And dah I'll make her stay
So don't you fret, my honey dear
Oh don't you fret, Miss Brown
I'll take you back 'fore de middle of de week
When de Glendy Burk comes down
(Chorus)
Ho for Louisiana!
I'm bound to leave dis town
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down