My transcription from the recording at YouTube:


SHRIMP SONG
As sung by Townes Van Zandt on "Live at McCabe's"

I saw three shrimp in the water; two were old and gray.
I swam a little bit closer and I heard the third one say:
"Goodbye, mommy shrimp; papa, shake my hand.
Here comes the shrimp boat for to take me to Louisian'."

Well, he showed his mama and papa a shrimp newspaper he'd read,
With an advertisement which to all the young shrimp said:
"Free ride to New Orleans, stay in grand hotels.
Meet a Creole gal to help you to come out of your shells."

Well, his poor mama and papa ain't heard from him yet.
Last time he saw his smilin' face 's when he jumped into the net.
Goodbye, mommy shrimp; papa, shake my hand.
Here comes the shrimp boat for to take me to Louisian'.
Here comes the shrimp boat for to take me to Louisian'.