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 oh I was born to roam And Mister and Mississippi made me feel at home Oh I was born to wander... My cradle was the river my school a river boat My teacher was a gambler the slickest one afloat He taught me not to gamble on a petticoat My teacher was a gambler... Oh I was born to wander... Oh Betty Mae I love you I love you Betty Mae I love you like a barefoot boy loves a summer day The way a wand'ring gypsy loves the changing scenes Just like the restless river loves old New Orleans Oh I was born to wander...