Did you ever go to Memphis on that lonesome Southern line?
If you ain't got the blues when you board that train, you're gonna get 'em every time.
You'll wish you'd never left your gal who gave her heart away.
You'll wish you stayed plumb off that train before the break of day.

CHORUS
        That Memphis train's done left me standing here alone.
        Don't you grieve my darlin' after I am gone.
        I'm on that train to Memphis, rollin' down the line.
        Don't you grieve my darlin' when I leave you behind.

I'm a-goin' down to the levee where the folks are singin' low.
My gal's done gone and left me, and I don't know where to go.
I'm gonna get to the railroad, gonna try to ride the blind.
For the cannonball from Memphis leaves town at half past nine.

I hear that banjo ringin', it makes me feel so fine.
Everything would be so good if I had that gal of mine.
It's fare-you-well to Memphis, a mighty good old town.
I think I'll come back here again when I settle down.