On the Banks of the Old Ponchartrain

I traveled from Texas to old Louisanne
 Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains
 Both footsore and weary I rested awhile
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.
 The fairest young maiden that I ever saw
 Passed by as it started to rain
 We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.
 We hid from the shower an hour or so
 She asked me how long I'd remain
 I told her that I'd spend the rest of my days
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.
 I just couldn't tell her that I ran away
 From jail on a West Texas plain
 I prayed in my heart I would never be found
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.
 Then one day a man put his hand on my arm
 And said I must go west again
 I left her alone without saying goodbye
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain.
 Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell
 I know that she's waiting in vain
 I'm hoping and praying someday to return
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain