| I got a letter, this is the way it read |
| I got a letter, this is the way it read |
| It says, hurry home Tampa the gal you love is dead |
| I went to the station but that southbound train had gone |
| I went to the station but that southbound train had gone |
| I hung my head and I began to mourn |
| She wasn’t dead but she was very 'lone |
| She wasn’t dead but she was very 'lone |
| I heard her when she whispered, «Tampa look like I’m booked to go» |
| I followed my baby to the burial ground |
| I followed my baby to the burial ground |
| An' I watched the paul bearer slowly let her down |
| I know I would never see her smilin' face again |
| I know I would never see her smilin' face again |
| But I will always remember she sure has been my friend |