Patches

Down by the river that flows by the coal yards
Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down
There lives a girl everybody calls Patches
Patches, my darling, from old Shantytown

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
So my folks won't let me love you

Each night I cry as I think of that shanty
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 coal yards in old Shantytown

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