On The Banks Of The Old Pontchartrain

I traveled from Texas to old Louisanne
 Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains
 Both footsore and weary, I rested a while
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
 The fairest young maiden that I ever saw
 Passed by as it started to rain
 We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
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 We hid from the shower an hour or so
 She asked me how long I'd remain
 I told her that I'd spend the rest of my days
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
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 I just couldn't tell her that I ran away
 From jail on a West Texas plain
 I prayed in my heart I would never be found
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
 Then one day, a man put his hand on my arm
 And said I must go west again
 I left her alone without saying goodbye
 On the banks of the old Pontchartrain
 Tonight, as I sit here alone in my cell
 I know that she's waiting in vain
 I'm hoping and praying someday to return
 To the banks of the old Pontchartrain