Brother James went out riding : riding in that twenty‑nine Ford
That poor man was drinking bad whiskey : ooo well boys he sure going to lose his soul

Lord I went out in Greenville : looked down in brother James' face
I says sleep on brother James : I'll meet you Resurrection Day

Lord brother James died under surgery : and he didn't have the time to pray
I said goodbye brother James : ooo well I'll meet you Resurrection Day

Now he love sister Lottie : trying to save her wicked soul
She ain't going to drink no more whiskey : ooo well boys going to ride no twenty‑nine Ford

I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in brother James' face
Says you know you died drunk brother James : and you didn't have no time to pray

Farewell brother James : hope we will meet some day
I will be at the *official table* : ooo well when *they send* brother James *my way*