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I traveled from Texas to low Louisian',
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Through valleys, o'er mountains and plain.
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Both footsore and weary, I rested a while
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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The fairest young maiden that I ever saw
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Passed by as it started to rain.
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We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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I ventured a smile, but she thought I was bold.
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I hastened to try and explain,
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But somehow I knew I would linger a while
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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We hid from the shower an hour or so.
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She asked me how long I'd remain.
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I told her I'd spend the rest of my life
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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As time drifted by, we fell deeper in love,
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A love that could just bring her pain.
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I knew that one day I would leave her alone
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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I just couldn't tell her that I ran away
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From jail on an old Texas plain.
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I prayed in my heart I would never be found
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On the banks of the Old Pontchar-train.
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.