Catfish John Lyrics - Grateful Dead

Mama said, "Don't go near that river 

Don't be hanging around Old Catfish John 

Come in the morning, I'd always be there 

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn" 

Take me back to another morning 

To a time so long ago 

When the sweet Magnolia blossomed 

Cotton fields as white as snow 

Catfish John was a river hobo 

Who lived and died by the river's bed 

Looking back, I still remember 

I was proud to be his friend 

Mama said, "Don't go near that river 

Don't be hanging around Old Catfish John 

Come in the morning, I'd always be there 

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn" 

Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg 

Traded for a chestnut mare 

Lord, her never spoke in anger 

Though his load was hard to bear 

Mama said, "Don't go near that river 

Come in the morning, I'd always be there 

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn 

Walking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn"