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

[ fiddle ]
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...

[ banjo ]
If anyone should ask you who could sing this song
If anyone should ask you who could sing this song
Just say that I'll sing it all day long

It takes a worried man...