I traveled from Texas to old Louis Anne Through valleys, over mountains and plains Both footsore and weary, I rested a-while On the banks of the old Ponchartrain The fairest young maiden that I ever saw Passed by as it started to rain We both found a shelter beneath the same tree On the banks of the old Ponchartrain We hid from the shower an hour or so She asked me how long I'd remain I told her that I'd spend the rest of my days On the banks of the old Ponchartrain I just couldn't tell her that I ran away From jail on a West Texas plain I prayed in my heart, I would never be found On the banks of the old Ponchartrain Then one day a man put his hand on my arm And said, ‽I must go west again†I left her alone without saying goodbye On the banks of the old Ponchartrain Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell I know that she's waiting in vain I'm hoping and praying someday to return On the banks of the old Ponchartrain