I've gotta leave old Durham town I've gotta leave old Durham town I've gotta leave old Durham town And that leavin's going to get me down Back in nineteen-forty-four I remember Daddy walking out the door Mama told me he was going to war He was leaving Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me. When I was a boy I spent my time Sitting on the banks of the River Tyne Watching all the ships going down the line They were leaving Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me. Last week Mama passed away "Goodbye Son," was all she'd say There's no cause for me to stay So I'm leaving Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving free.