On The Banks Of The Old Pontchartrain

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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.