I come from the bottom of the river Haw
And if I knew a rounder, oh Lord, I knew them all
I did fear for many a year the darkness in my mind
Oh, I knew not a gentle way, nor how to be kind
So I strode the winding road in the deep October wood
One foot, another foot and the going was good
I did fight many a night the darkness in my hand
Oh, I was tired of meeting on the battlefield
Now I'm sweet as John in the day's new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby's crying
I'm sweet as John like a wedding day
Sweet as John, now I go this way
I robbed a rich man and stole his gold tooth
And I highballed the Yellow Dog clear to Yazoo
John was gone from Babylon many years ago
No more gypsy heart, hole in my soul
I went down to Richmond-town to have myself a ball
I spent all my silver, oh Lord, I blew it all
To pacify my jealous mind, the rage in my heart
Then I took to wandering, now I cannot sing this part
Now I'm sweet as John in the day's new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby's crying
I'm sweet as John like a simple ring
Sweet as John, now I go this way
I saw those blackbirds strung out on a line
Lord, how their little song did like to make me cry
I was free in the wild country, heart beating like a drum
No brother, no friend, no lover, no one
So I found a little song, a song of my own
To help lose the black map on my heart like a stone
Now I drive the old red road in the deep and golden air
And try to find my spirit in the small and the fair
Now I'm sweet as John in the day's new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby's crying
I'm sweet as John like a simple ring
Sweet as John, now I know my name