Well, I’m poor, I’m broke, I’m living free,
I ain’t got a nickel or dime,
I’m just living life in Tennessee
And I’m tryna catch a steamboat on time.
Can’t you see that Cherokee river
Flowin’ on cold and wide
Can’t you see me runnin’ forever
Tryna catch a steamboat on time
And I’m just a lonesome hobo
And there’s nothin’ in the world for me
So I best just keep on a movin’
Cause that’s the way that life’s gotta be
Well, I’m poor, I’m broke, I’m living free,
I ain’t got a nickel or dime,
I’m just living life in Tennessee
And I’m tryna catch a steamboat on time.
Well, I beg for a meal where I can get it
Pickin’ off the chicken bones and scraps
And they throw it all out the back door
And they tell me that I’m never welcome back
And I’m covered in rags and patches
And the rich folk look down on me
But I don’t take no bother
Cause they’re the ones who just can’t see
Well, I’m poor, I’m broke, I’m living free,
I ain’t got a nickel or dime,
I’m just living life in Tennessee
And I’m tryna catch a steamboat on time.
