You come across the James River
For a needle and a spoon
Would you come across the James river
To be my woman again,
To be my woman again?

You come across that old Lee bridge
For a dollar fifty and change
Would you come across the James River
For this heart of gold,
For this heart of gold?

You go and work for Mrs. Kitty
For a decent rate of pay
But would you come across the James River
To be my woman again,
To be my woman again?

You keep a pistol in your left boot
A brush and comb in your purse
Would you come across the James River
To be my woman again,
To be my woman again?