[Verse 1]
I went down to the river to watch the fish swim by
When I got to the river so lonesome I wanted to die, oh Lord
So I jumped in the river but the doggone river was dry
Well she's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue

[Verse 2]
I had me a woman, she couldn't be true
She made me for my money and she made me blue
A man needs a woman that he can lean on
But my leanin' post is done left and gone
Well shе's long gone, and now I'm lonesome bluе

[Verse 3]
She told me on Sunday she was checkin' me out
Long about Monday she was nowhere about
And here it is Tuesday, I ain't had no news
I got them gone but not forgotten blues
Well she's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 4]
I'm gonna find me a river, one that's cold as ice
When I find that river, Lord, you know I'll pay the price, oh Lord
I'm goin' down in it three times, but Lord, I'm only comin' up twice
Well she's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue
[Outro]
Well she's long gone, and now I'm lonesome blue