Patches

Down by the river that flows by the coal yard's stand

Wooden houses with shutters torn down

There lives a girl everybody calls Patches

Patches my darling of old Shantytown

We planned to marry when June brought the summer

I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride

Now I don't see how that ever can happen

My folks say no and my heart breaks inside

Patches oh what can I do?

I swear, I'll always love you

But a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace

So my folks won't let me love you

Each night I cry as I think of that Shanty and pretty patches

There watching the door

She doesn't know that I can't come to see her

Patches must think that I love her no more

I hear a neighbor telling my father

He says, a girl name of Patches was found floating face down

In that dirty old river that flows by the coal yards

In old Shantytown

Patches oh what can I do?

I swear, I'll always love you

It may not be right but I'll join you tonight

Patches I'm coming to you