I went across the river I lay down to sleep I went across the river I lay down to sleep When I woke up had shackles on my feet It takes a worried man to sing a worried song It takes a worried man to sing a worried song I'm worried now but I won't be worried long Twenty one links of chain around my leg twenty one links of chain around my leg And on each link is initial of a man It takes a worried man... If anyone should ask you who could sing this song If anyone should ask you who could sing this song Just say that I'll sing it all day long It takes a worried man...