I went down to the river, sat beneath the willow tree
The dew dropped on those willow leaves
And it rolled right down on me
And that's the reason I've got those weepin' willow blues

I went up on the mountain, high as any girl could stand
And looked down on the mean town
That took away my lovin' man
And that's the reason I've got those weepin' willow blues

I heard the whistle blowin', the fireman ring the bell
They're takin' away that willow tree
That give me this weepin' spell
And that's the reason I've got those weepin' willow blues

When you're broken hearted and your man is out of town
Go to the river, take the chains and sit down
And if he don't come back to you, I'll tell you what to do
Just jump right overboard, 'cause he ain't no more to you!

Folks I love my man, I kiss him mornin' noon and night
I wash his clothes and keep him clean
And try to treat him right
Now he's gone and left me after all I tried to do
The way he treats me, girls, he'll do the same to you!
That's the reason I've got those weepin' willow blues