ON THE BANKS OF THE OLD PONCHARTRAIN
(Hank Williams / Ramona Vincent)


Hank Williams - 1947
Rose Maddox - 1959
Don Gibson - 1971
Hank Williams Jr. - 1973



I traveled from Texas to old Louisianne
Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains
Both footsore and weary I rested awhile
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

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 Ponchartrain

(Instrumental Break)

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 Ponchartrain

(Instrumental Break)

I just couldn't tell her that I ran away
From jail on a West Texas plain
I prayed in my heart I would never be found
On the banks of the old Ponchartrain

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 Ponchartrain

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 Ponchartrain



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2019)