Gone to the river to get us some water
Men have come thirsty from toiling all day
Can't hardly wait for sunset this evening
The cool of the night, oh Lord this we pray

Gone are the days I've spent with my baby
Gone are the nights she held me so tight
If I could release these chains from my ankles
I would be with my sweetheart tonight

The river is deep, and so far across it
And swiftly she runs, right through my hometown
So tempting it is, but I'd never make it
I've got to get back, that old sun's going down
I've got to get back, that old sun's going down

Two versions were included in the Bear Family box-set
"The Train Kept A-Rollin', Memphis To Hollywood"