I traveled from Texas to old Louisianne
Through valleys o'er mountains and plains
Both footsore and weary I rested awhile
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

The fairest young man that I ever did see
Passed by as it started to rain
We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

We hid from the shower an hour or so
He asked me how long I'd remain
I told him that I'd spend the rest of my days
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

I just couldn't tell him that I ran away
From jail on a west Texas plain
I prayed in my heart I would never be found
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

Then one day a man put his hand
An my arm and said I must go west again
I left him alone without saying goodbye
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell
I know that he's waiting in vain
I'm hoping and praying someday to return
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain