Here's a bit more on this song, and evidence that some roustabouts adapted minstrel songs for some of what they sang:

Collected by Mary Wheeler in the 1930s from a roustabout by the name of Cliff, from Steamboatin’ Days, ©1944/1966, p. 90-91

Come, Love, Come, de Boat Lies Low

Come, love, come, an’ go with me,
I’ll take you down ‘bout Tennessee
Open up the window, oh love, do
Listen to the music I’m playin’ for you.

Chorus:

Come, love, come, de boat lies low,
She lies high an’ dry on de Ohio.

Come, love, come, an’ go with me,
I’ll take you down ‘bout Tennessee
Next time I come be ready to go
Floatin’ down the rivuh on the Ole Ben Joe.

I bet the last line once ran "Floatin down the rivuh wi' the old banjo."

Cheerily,
Charlie Ipcar