I'm going down to the river: Just to see the water run
And to think about my troubles: And where all my money's
Gone

Times has got so hard: That I cannot find a job
And every morning: The rent man grabs on my doorknob

I'm getting so ragged: I ain't got no decent clothes
I ain't got nobody: Ain't got nowhere to go

Now I'm worried: Ain't no telling what I'm going to do
My friends don't know me: And I can't get a dime or two

Soon as hard time strike me: My baby puts me out
Now guess you know: What these hard time is all about