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Patches

Patches
(Barry Mann and Larry Kolber)

Down by the river that floats by the coal yards
Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down
There lives a girl ev'rybody calls Patches
Patches, my darling of old Shanty Town.

We planned to marry when June brought the sun
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 will 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 heard a neighbor tellin' my father
He says a girl name of Patches was found
Floating face down that dirty old river
That floats by the coal yards in old Shanty Town.

Patches, Oh, what can I do?
I swear I'll always love you
It may not be right but I'll join your tonight
Patches I'm coming to you.

Recorded by Dickey Lee
GG
oct97