I went across the river, I lay down to sleep

I went across the river, I lay down to sleep

When I woke up had shackles on my feet



It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

I'm worried now but I won't be worried long



Twenty-one links of chain around my leg

Twenty-one links of chain around my leg

And on each link is initial of a man



It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

I'm worried now but I won't be worried long



If anyone should asked you who composed this song

If anyone should asked you who composed this song

Just say it was I, I'll sing it all day long



It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song

I'm worried now but I won't be worried long