Some rows up; we floats down
Way down the Ohio to Shawnee Town

Ref:
Hard on the beach oar, she moves too slow
Way down to Shawneetown on the Ohio

Whiskey's in the jug, boys; wheat is in the sack.
Float them down to Shawneetown and bring the rock salt back.

Now the current's got her boys- take in some slack.
Float her down to Shawneetown and bushwhack her back.

I got a wife in Louisville, and one in New Orleans.
When I get to Shawneetown I’ll see my Indian Queen.

The water's mighty warm boys, the air is cold and dank.
And the fog is so damned thick you cannot see the bank.