{ Chorus } 
{D} Momma said don't go {G} near that {D} river  
Don't be hanging round ole Catfish {A} John  
But come the {D} morning I'd {G} always {D} be there  
Walking in his footsteps in that {A} sweet delta {D} dawn 
---  
  
{ 1st verse } 
  
Born a {G} slave in the town of {D}Vicksburg  
Traded {G} for a chestnut {A} mare  
But he {G} never spoke in {D} anger  
Though his load was {A} hard to {D} bear  
  
Chorus  
  
{ 2nd verse } 
  
Let me {G} dream of another {D} morning  
Of a {G} time so long {A} ago  
Where the {G} sweet magnolias {D} blossom  
And the cotton fields were {A} white as snow