This is the simplified skiffle version I do, based on St Lonnie's various versions (with the name changed in the last verse to protect the innocent).

LOST JOHN
(Trad)

Lost John standin' by the railroad track
Waitin' for the freight train to come back
Freight train come and it didn't stop
Lost John thought he'd have to ride on top
Long long lost John
Long long lost John

Lost John came to the country from the South
Sat there as quiet, as quiet as a mouse
Lost John said, "Be my friend
Be my friend until the end"
Long long lost John
Long long John

Woman say don't have no fear
I'm goin' to the corner to get some beer
Lost John say "Don't buy no beer
Sheriff 's on my trail and he'll soon be here"
Long long lost John
Long long lost John

Now Lost John made a pair of shoes of his own
Finest shoes that ever were born
Heels on the front, heels behind
So nobody know which way Lost John g'wine


If anyone asks you who taught you this song
Just say Lonnie Donegan* has been and gone
Long long lost John
Long long lost John

RtS
(*insert own name here)