Had a little drink about an hour ago
catfish on my line
push out on the raft where the river's slow
steamboat passing by
gives my such a wail like a thundering train
hat's over my eye
give another hoot like the express train
thats a two-step in ragtime

Been dreaming again I was twenty five
summer was ablaze
you wake me, shake me, see if I'm alive
what for are my days?
you can say it again and then you're through
"boy, you gotta change"
when this music changes sure I'll change too
lord, the ragtime plays

I'm leaving the valley for a new country
leaving, win or lose
where I don't have to beg for no sympathy
because I'm not accused
I won't wait for the moon to grow bigger
cobbler mend my shoes
I'm gonna follow my favourite figger
singing his ragtime blues