Collected by Warren D. Walker
For M. C. Parler
Transcribed by Warren D. Walker
Sung by
Warren D. Walker Fayetteville, Ark Jan. 7, 1960
Reel 332, Item 5
Steamboat Bill
Down the Mississippi steamed the Whip-poor-will Comanded by the piolate Mr. Steamboat Bill The owner gave his orders on the strick Q. T.
To try to beat the record of the Robert E. Lee Feed up the fire let the old smoke roll Burn up all the cargo if you run out of coal If you don't beat the record Billy told his mate Send my mail in care of Peter to the Golden Gate
Cho. Steamboat Bill Steaming down the Mississippi Steamboat Bill a mighty man is he Steamboat Bill steaming down the Mississippi A going to beat the record of the Robert E. Lee
Then up stepped a gambling man from Louieville He tried to get a bill against the Whip-poor-will But Billy flashed a roll that surely was a bear The explosion of the boiler got him up in the air
The gambler says to Billy as they left the wreck
I don't know where we're going but we're neck in neck Says Billy to the gambler tell you what I'll do I'll bet another thousand I'll go higher than you
Cho. Steamboat Bill tore up the Mississippi Steamboat Bill the tide made him swear Steamboat Bill tore up the Mississippi The explosion of the boiler got him up in the air
The rivers are in mourning for Steamboat Bill
No more you'll hear the puffing of the Whip-poor-will
There's a scrap on every boat that plows the stream
From Denver down to Natchez and to New Orleans
The wife of William was at home in bed
When she recieved the message that Steamboat was dead
She said to the children bless each honeylamb
Next papa you get will be a railroad man
Cho. Steamboat Bill missing on the Mississippi Steamboat Bill he's in the promise land Steamboat Bill missing on the Mississippi He's piolate of the ferry in the promise land