Watch that towhead over to larboard
Mark three, quarter less three
Watch that snag now over to starboard
Half twain, quarter less twain
Now we're sliding, stern's coming round
Miss that bar where the Mississippi Lady went aground
Ride us easy, easy river
Mark twain, quarter twain, quarter less twain, mark twain

Where you been, river?
Where you goin' today?
What you bringin' me river, river
What you takin' away?
What you bringin' me river, river
What you takin' away?

Ride us easy, father of waters
Easy, whisperin' river
Ride us easy, easy, whisperin' Mississippi
Whisperin' easy, whisperin'

Here's snow from the high sierras
Here's cloud from Soo San Marie
Here springs from the roofs of the ranges
Washing down to the sea
What towns you been drowning, river?
What lands adding on today?
What you bringin’ me, river, river
What you takin' away?

Here’s water from glacier mountains
Here’s water from lakes and plains
The world’s longest drink of water
From God only knows what rains

Who you been stealin' from, river?
Who you been friendin’ today?
What you bringin’ me, river, river
What you takin' away?

Watch that towhead over to larboard
Mark three, quarter less three
Watch that snag now over to starboard
Half twain, quarter less twain
Quarter twain, quarter less twain, mark twain