[Verse 1]
Mmm, way down upon that old Mississippi River
Not so far away
That's where my folks have lived forever
And that's where they're going to say

[Verse 2]
I've been searching 'cross the whole creation
Half my life and more (And more)
But I've found my own sweet satisfaction
Right here on that muddy river shore

[Chorus]
Oh, the world, it is so sad and dreary
Everywhere I roam
Oh, Mama, how I miss the prairie
And my Minnesota home

[Verse 3]
I can see my mama's sweet, sweet face every Sunday morning
All the good old hymns, praise God, that we've sung
We knelt in prayer right beside our precious aunts and uncles
Who loved us when we were young

[Verse 4]
In the valley of darkness, they are the shepherds
Who lead me to pastures green
And I'll sit with my mama by the still, still waters
And goodness and mercy follow me
[Verse 5]
I've floated down the Columbia and the Hudson
Walked on the banks of the Ohio (Ohio, Ohio)
On the banks of the Wabash and the mighty Colorado
And the old Red River way up north

[Verse 6]
All the world, it is a world of rivers
Flowing to the sea, yeah
But here on that old Mississippi
Here is the home for you and me
Come on, take it home

[Chorus]
Oh, the world, it is so sad and dreary
Everywhere I roam, oh-oh

[Outro]
Oh, Mama, how I missed the prairie
And my Minnesota home