Along The Banks Of Swift Creek

Margaret is my cousin, down North Carolina way...
we played together as children, many a summer day,
along the banks of Swift Creek, and all around the old mill,
having lots of wild adventures, like wild kids will.

Margaret's sister, Elizabeth Ann, was usually there...
likewise my sister Libby—she and Margaret were a pair—
you've never heard such laughter, as when we played hide and seek:
it gets so dark out in the country, it doesn't help to peek.

Margaret and Elizabeth had two little sisters, Thelma and Lynn...
Libby and I had two little brothers, Tom and Tim.
Now, we're all grown, some with grandchildren of their own:
I swear it's unbelievable how time has flown.

These memories flow through my mind on a sad, sad day,
as I help carry Margaret's coffin to her grave.
She struggled back from one stroke, a real hero—
then suffered from another...and we had to let her go.

Maggie is my dear cousin, down North Carolina way...
we played together as children, many a hot summer day,
along the banks of Swift Creek, and all around the old mill,
having lots of wild adventures, like wild kids will...
along the banks of Swift Creek...
along the banks of Swift Creek—
along the banks of Swift Creek