Through streams and bogs and under bush I made my weary way

Though windfalls thick and devil's floods my aching feet did stray

Until at last by evening start on higher ground I gained

And there I met with a creole girl by the lakes of pontchartrain

Good evening to you creole girl my money is no good

Although I fear the 'gaitors well I must defend the wood

You are welcome here kind stranger my house is very plain

But we never turn a stranger out by the lakes of pontchartrain

She took me to her mammy's house and she treated me right well

The hair around her shoulders in them jet black ringlets fell

I'd try to describe her beauty but I find the words in vain

So beautiful that creole girl by the lakes of pontchartrain

Well I asked if she'd marry me she said that could not be

Because she loved a sailor and he's far away at sea

She said that she would marry him and true she would remain

Even through he never did comeback to the lakes of pontchartrain

So farewell farwell you creole girl I'll ne'er see you no more

I'll ne'er forget your kindness in the cottage by the shore

And at each social gathering a flowing glass I'd drain

And I drink a health to the creole girl by the lakes of pontchartrain