It takes a worried man to sing a worried song 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 I went across the river and I lay down to sleep Went across the river and I lay down to sleep Went across the river and I lay down to sleep When I woke up, put the shackles on my feet Twenty-nine links of chain around my leg Twenty-nine links of chain around my leg Twenty-nine links of chain around my leg And on each link was the initial of my name I asked the judge, what might be my fine I asked the judge, what might be my fine I asked the judge, what might be my fine Twenty-one years on the r. M. mountain line The train I ride, is sixteen coaches long The train I ride, is sixteen coaches long The train I ride, is sixteen coaches long The girl I love is on that train and gone