I got a letter, this is the way it read I got a letter, this is the way it read It says, hurry home Tampa the gal you love is dead I went to the station but that southbound train had gone I went to the station but that southbound train had gone I hung my head and I began to mourn She wasn't dead but she was very 'lone She wasn't dead but she was very 'lone I heard her when she whispered, “Tampa look like I'm booked to go” I followed my baby to the burial ground I followed my baby to the burial ground An' I watched the paul bearer slowly let her down I know I would never see her smilin' face again I know I would never see her smilin' face again But I will always remember she sure has been my friend