Down by the river that flows by the cold yards Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down There lives a girl everybody calls Patches Patches, my darling, from old shaggy town We planned to marry when June brought the summer I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride But now I don't see how that ever can happen My folks say no and my heart breaks inside Patches, oh what can I do? I swear I'll always love you But a girl from that place will just bring me disgrace My folks won't let me love you Each night I cry as I think of that shaggy and pretty Patches there watching the door She doesn't know that I can't go to see her Patches must think that I love her no more I hear a neighbor telling my father He says a girl named Patches was found Floating face down in that dirty old river That flows by the cold yards in old shaggy town Patches, oh what can I do? I swear I'll always love you It may not be right, but I'll join you tonight Patches, I'm coming to you