Jennifer Lee (5 of 52)

Jennifer Lee
Rocky Alvey © 2006

In 1809 we left for Missouri
headin for a place few men had seen
wife with child, mules and a wagon
chasin ourselves such a wondrous dream
chasin ourselves such a wondrous dream

The way at times was a fearsome struggle
buffalo trails on forsaken ground
Jennie Lee sang to the mules from the wagon
where we’re headed is where we’re bound
where we’re headed is where we are bound

Chorus
I’ll cross the river, though the river is wide
I’ll cross the river, though the river is deep
When I’m gone to the other side
I’ll find that home that is waiting for me

We made Cave-In-Rock on the Ohio river
two bits bought us a ferry boat ride
halfway over a big snag caught us
the dream was over when the ferry capsized
in the muddy water, my Jennifer died

I carried her up to a bluff by the river
I buried her under a mighty oak tree
I carved these words on a limestone alter
here lies the beautiful Jennifer Lee
here lies an angel called Jennifer Lee

Chorus

I swear by the water rushing below her
I swear by the sky that covers above
I’ll never see that piece of Missouri
I’ll never leave my only true love
Jennifer Lee was my only true love

A ferry still runs on the Ohio river
from Cave-in-Rock town on the Illinois side
a soft breeze blows out there in the middle
that’ll be the place where my Jennifer died
that’ll be the place where Jennie Lee died