Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water now                                 if I could get to the mercy man he’d give me some I know.                                I got a gal in Vicksburg Bertha is her name                    Lord I wish I was tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain.                          I’m going’ to Memphis mm mm I’m going’ to Memphis. But like a bitter weed I’m a bad seed        but when the levee’s thru and I am too let the honky tonk roll on come morning’ I’ll be gone.                      I’m going’ to Memphis.     Well I never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place                                 I couldn’t get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face.                            I’m going’ to Memphis mm I’m going’ to Memphis. Just like a bitter weed I’m a bad seed       but when the levee’s thru and I am too let the honky tonk roll on come morning’ I’ll be gone.                      I’m going’ to Memphis.     Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can                           but the boss man caught me drinking’ it     and I believe he broke my hand. Mm.             Another boy is down the shovel burned him out                             let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin’s about.                           I’m going’ to Memphis mm mm I’m going’ to Memphis mm mm. Like a bitter weed I’m a bad seed       but when the levee’s thru and I am too let the honky tonk roll on come morning’ I’ll be gone.                      I’m going’ to Memphis yeah Memphis bound.                                                I’m going’ to Memphis mm.