It's a long, long way from the hills of Carolina
To the arms of my darling in Jackson, Tennessee
And it's a hard, hard way to try to make a living
But it's the quickest way to get ahead, both of us agree
And it's been twenty-seven weeks, but it seems more like forever
Still the pay was good and worth the sacrifice
The work is finally over and I'm getting close to Jackson
I can't wait to see her and I know she'll be surprised
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
Traveling through the state of Tennessee?
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
'Til I know that I'm home free, until I know that I am home free?
Well I never dreamed I'd find her in the arms of another
She didn't know I was coming home tonight
And now the sheriff is searching for the owner of a shotgun
Who left two lovers frigid in the early morning light
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
Traveling through the state of Tennessee?
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
'Til I know that I'm home free, until I know that I am home free?
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
Traveling through the state of Tennessee?
How many times must I cross that old Caney Fork River
'Til I know that I'm home free, until I know that I am home free?
Home free