Patches

Down by the river that flows by the coal yards

Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down

There lives a girl everybody calls Patches

Patches, my darling, of Old Shanty Town

We planned to marry when June brought the summer

I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride

Now I don't see how it ever can happen

My folks say, "No," and my heart breaks inside

Patches, oh, what can I do?

I swear I'll always love you

But a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace

So my folks won't let me love you

Each night, I cry as I think of that shanty

And pretty Patches there watching the door

She dosn't know that I can't come to see her

Patches must think I don't love her no more

I hear a neighbor telling my father

He says a girl, name of Patches, was found

Floating face down in that dirty old river

That flows by the coal yards in Old Shanty Town

Patches, oh, what can I do?

I swear I'll always love you

It may not be right, but I'll join you tonight

Patches, I'm coming to you