I've gotta leave old Durham town

I've gotta leave old Durham town

I've gotta leave old Durham town

And that leavin's going to get me down



Back in nineteen-forty-four

I remember Daddy walking out the door

Mama told me he was going to war

He was leaving

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me.



When I was a boy I spent my time

Sitting on the banks of the River Thyme

Watching all the ships going down the line

They were leaving

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving me.



Last week Mama passed away

"Goodbye Son," was all she'd say

There's no cause for me to stay

So I'm leaving

Leaving, leaving, leaving, leaving leaving