i can t recall my mother i don t remember dad mister and mississippi was all i ever had oh i was born to wander i was born to roam and mister and mississippi made me feel at home my cradle was the river my school a river boat my teacher was a gambler the slickest one afloat my teacher was a gambler the slickest one afloat he taught me not to gamble on a petticoat oh i was born to wander i was born to roam and mister and mississippi made me feel at home oh darlin how i love you what more is there to say i love you like a barefoot girl loves the summer day the way a wanderin gypsy loves the changing sea just like the restless river loves old new orleans i love a tiny village a quiet country town a house a little garden with kiddies runnin round you d be a faithful husband i d be a trusty friend until i heard that steamboat comin round the bend oh i was born to wander i was born to roam and mister and mississippi made me feel at home oh i was born to wander i was born to roam and mister and mississippi made me feel at home