I'm goin' across the mountains, oh fare ye well
Goin' 'cross the mountains, you can hear my banjo tell
Got my rations on my back, my powder it is dry
Goin' across the mountains, oh Chrissy don't you cry

Goin' across the mountain, to join the boys in blue
When this fightin's over, I'll come back to you

Goin' across the mountains if I have to crawl
To give old Jeff's men a little o' my rifle ball
'Speck you'll miss me when I'm gone, but I'm goin' through
When this fightin's over, I'll come back to you

Way before it's good daylight, if nothin' happens to me
I'll be way down yonder, in old Tennessee
Goin' across the mountain, oh fare ye well
Goin' 'cross the mountain, you can hear my banjo tell

Goin' across the mountain, oh fare ye well
Goin' 'cross the mountain, Chrissy fare you well
Goin' across the mountain, to join the boys in blue
When this fightin's over, I'll come back to you