High Water Everywhere‑Part I
 

The backwater done rose all around Sumner : drove [me, poor Charley] down the line
Well I tell the world : the water done struck through this town

Lord the whole round country : Lord river has overflowed
I would go to the hilly country : but they got me barred
 

Now, Look-a here now at Leland: river was rising high

I'm gonna move to Greenville, 'fore I leave, goodbye

Look-a here the water now, Lordy, Levee broke, rose most everywhere

I would go down to Rosedale, but they tell me there's water there

Now the water now mama : done struck Charleys town
Well I'm going to Vicksburg : before I have mine
 

I am going up that water: where lands don't ever flow

But that whole county was leavin' over that Tallahatchie shore

Lord the water done [rushed, raised] : all over that old Jackson Road
I'm going back to the hilly country : won't be worried no more