Down by the river that flows by the coal yards stand wooden houses with shutters torn down. There lives a girl everybody calls Patches. Patches my darling of old Shantytown.
We planned to marry when June brought the summer I couldn’t wait to make Patches my bride now I don’t see how that ever can happen. My folks say no and my heart breaks inside.
Patches oh what can I do I swear I’ll always love you but a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace so my folks won’t let me love you.
Each night I cry as I think of that shanty and pretty patches there watching the door. She doesn’t know that I can’t come to see her Patches must think that I love her no more.
I hear a neighbor telling my father he says a girl name of Patches was found floating face down in that dirty old river that flows by the coal yards in old Shantytown.
Patches oh what can I do I swear I’ll always love you. It may not be right but I’ll join you tonight. Patches I’m coming to you.
