There is a Riverboat on the banks of the Mississippi in a town called New Orleans The captain in his white pressed coat and a cap that’s not so clean the captain went by Willie his scowl was as hard as hickory his figure portly his language quite obscene he puffed on a pipe as though it owed him money and he would make it pay he’d will that big old paddle wheel thru another day you better stop your gambling boys as the captain pulled from shore. Focus on theNatchez it’s time to even the score Big ol wheel take us thru the night. Up the Mississippi in the broad day light. Black smoke rolling out her stacks New Orleans I ain’t coming back. The Natchez was as skilled as an artisan. Low , fast and mean If we beat those boys to St. Louis you will be in the captains favor the Lee was the fittest boat known for a racing creed. The Natchez planned to make its stops and never to concede the fog became so thick the captain ordered knives Would we escape the Mississippi with our bloody lives. Willie yelled an order get the blind boy who sees he can smell the riverbank and keep from the trees the young boy guided the ship to the captains glee when sun cut the fog and an amazing site to see St. Louis was in front of us. And the Natchez not to be the boy became a hero a mark Twain to be. Trust what you feel and not always what you see run on the Mississippi boys.Time it will not wait stoke that boiler until she almost breaks leave the gulf behind us as we steam ahead we’ll sleep in st Louie on a feathered bed we can’t lose this race big wheel paddle up this creek May our glory find us. Big wheel leave old New Orleans behind us Big ol wheeler cutting thru the night. Lead us to glory by the ol moonlight. Can we make st Louie by first day light We can if a snag don’t sink us tonight where leave the Natchez in our wake alright. Big ol wheel take us thru the night. Up the Mississippi in the broad day light Black smoke rolling out her stacks New Orleans I ain’t coming back. Big wheel won’t you take me home. Back to St. Louis where I belong
