Recorded by: hank williams, sr. Written by: hank williams sr. & ramona vincent I [a] travelled from [a7] texas to [d] old louis-[a] anne Thru valleys, o'er mountains and [e7] plains Both [a] footsore and [a7] weary i [d] rested a-[a] while On the [e7] banks of the old ponchar-[a] train. The fairest young maiden that i ever saw Passed by as it started to rain We both found a shelter beneath the same tree On the banks of the old ponchartrain. We hid from the shower an hour or so She asked me how long i'd remain I told her that i'd spend the rest of my days On the banks of the old ponchartrain. I just couldn't tell her that i ran away From jail on a west texas plain I prayed in my heart i would never be found On the banks of the old ponchartrain. Then one day a man put his hand on my arm And said i must go west again I left her alone without saying goodbye On the banks of the old ponchartrain. Tonight as i sit here alone in my cell I know that she's waiting in vain I'm hoping and praying someday to return To the banks of the old ponchartrain.