Little John lived on a mountainside
Never thought much about taking on a bride
Finally he upped and he married one day
She didn't like the country so she done run away

Poor little John, poor little John
Your Mama used to love you but your Mama's gone
What you gonna do, livin' all alone
Your Mama used to love you but your Mama's gone

Little John say what a fool I be
Hot tone woman make a monkey outa me
Life gets lonesome on the mountainside
Guess that's the reason little John sit and cried

Poor little John, poor little John
Your Mama used to love you but your Mama's gone
What you gonna do, livin' all alone
Your Mama used to love you but your Mama's gone

Little John don't know what he gonna do
Lose one woman, don't wanna try for two
Guess he'll get along without no help
Live all his life on the mountain by hisself