O say was you ever in Rio Grande?
Way, you Rio
It's there that the river runs down golden sand
For we're bound to the Rio Grande
And away, boys, away
Way, you Rio
Sing fare you well my pretty young girls
For we're bound to the Rio Grande
Oh, New York town is no place for me
I'll pack up my bag and go out to sea
So it's pack up your donkey and get under way
The girls we are leaving can take our half pay
We'll sell our salt cod for molasses and rum
And get home again 'fore Thanksgiving has come
Sing good bye to Nellie and good bye to Sue
And you who are listening, good bye to you
And good-bye, fare you well, all you ladies of town
We've left you enough for to buy a silk gown
Now you Bowery ladies we'd have you to know
We're bound to the south'ard, O Lord, let us go!
Our good ship's a-going out over the bar
And we'll point her nose for the South-er-on Star
Oh say was you ever in Rio Grande?
Oh was you ever on that strand?
