She stands on the banks of the mighty Mississippi
Alone in the pale moonlight
Waiting for a man, a riverboat gambler
Said that he'd return tonight

They used to waltz on the banks of the mighty Mississippi
Loving the whole night through
'Til the riverboat gambler went off to make a killing
And bring it on back to you.

Evangeline, Evangeline
Curses the soul of the Mississippi Queen
That pulled her man away.

Bayou Sam, from the South Lousianne
Had gambling in his veins
Evangeline, from the Maritime
Was slowly going insane.

High on the top of Hickory Hill
She stands in the lightning and thunder
Down on the river the boat was a-sinking
She watched that queen go under