I can't recall my mother, I don't remember dad Mister and Mississippi was all I ever had
Oh, I was born to wander, I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home
My cradle was the river, my school a river boat My teacher was a gambler, the slickest one afloat My teacher was a gambler, the slickest one afloat He taught me not to gamble on a petticoat
Oh, I was born to wander, I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home
Oh, darlin' how I love you, what more is there to say? I love you like a barefoot girl loves the summer day The way a wanderin' gypsy loves the changing sea Just like the restless river loves old New Orleans
I love a tiny village, a quiet country town A house, a little garden with kiddies runnin' 'round You'd be a faithful husband, I'd be a trusty friend Until I heard that steamboat comin' 'round the bend
Oh, I was born to wander, I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home Oh, I was born to wander, I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home