Lyrics of On the banks of the pontchartrain

I traveled from texas to old louisanne
Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains
Both footsore and weary, i rested awhile
On the banks of the old pontchartrain

The fairest young maiden that i ever saw
Passed by as it started to rain
We both found a shelter beneath the same tree
On the banks of the old pontchartrain

We hid from the shower, an hour or so
She asked me, how long i'd remain?
I told her that i'd spend the rest of my days
On the banks of the old pontchartrain

I just couldn't tell her that i ran away
From jail on a west texas plane
I prayed in my heart, i would never be found
On the banks of the old pontchartrain

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