I listened to a recording and it is quite different than what Mmario posted above. The verses are only 3 lines, not 4; the verses are in a different order; there is no refrain; and there are some small differences in the words.


STEAMBOAT WHISTLE BLUES
As recorded by Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys, 1936.

1. Thought I heard that steamboat whistle blow. (2x)
Blowed like she'd never blowed before.

2. Crossed the river, I fell fast asleep. (2x)
When I woke, they had shackles on my feet.

3. I said: "Judge, what may be my fine?" (2x)
"Sixty days; get away on down that line."

4. Sixty days in the lonesome jail to go. (2x)
I can't hear that steamboat whistle blow.