Haulin' Coal Lyrics - Rufus - Rufus

Steamin' down the muddy waters 

Travelin' yonder from bay to bay 

I been workin' on the barge line 

Fourteen years ago today 

Eighteen hours hard labor by the day 

Ain't much pay for a man 

Chorus: 

Haulin' coal down the down river 

And he won't be comin' home for a long time 

Torches burning by the riverside 

Cast their shadows grey as stone 

And the cool October days replacing 

Much warmer thoughts of home 

I can still see grandma sittin' on the porch 

Tellin' the neighbors she's got a grandson 

Chorus: 

Haulin' coal down the down river 

And he won't be comin' home for a long time 

River's rising up the marker line 

While the willows softly moan 

Sun is rising over the starboard shore 

Paving the golden road back home 

I can still see the kids jumpin' rope 

But there ain't much hope for a man 

Chorus: 

Haulin' coal down the down river 

And he won't be comin' home for a long time 

Haulin' coal down the down river 

I'll be gone a long time 

Haulin' coal down the down river 

I'll be gone a long while