nSometimes I'd like to cut down early, when the sweetest breeze is blowing that olensummer season downnAnd the hard times comes back, from where only strong men can gonAnd the dirty works all done here in the town.nI could pick up my things from the keeper, collect what pay is due me from the mannfrom the man.nI could walk straight down the floodway where the water bends around,nAnd follow you Old River to my home.nOh, but if I could, I'd be gone tomorrow Oh, but if I could, I'd leave today.nIf I just had the strength left Lord, to get myself back home,nI'd leave right now, but I guess I'm gonna stay.nTime seems to stain this old man's soul, and now the pain, it comes from places nthat I never knew before.nIt's a pity what has come and gone, I long for younger days, the cold wind nchills me right down to my bones.nMaybe next year things may be some different. All the friends that I have made nhere might help me on my way.nIf I just had the strength left Lord, to get myself back home, I'd leave right nnow, but I guess I'm gonna stay.nnRepeat chorus twicen