I went across the river I lay down to sleep I went across the river I lay down to sleep When I woke up had shackles on my feet It takes a worried man to sing a worried song It takes a worried man to sing a worried song I'm worried now but I won't be worried long [ fiddle ] Twenty one links of chain around my leg Twenty one links of chain around my leg And on each link is initial of a man It takes a worried man... [ banjo ] If anyone should ask you who could sing this song If anyone should ask you who could sing this song Just say that I'll sing it all day long It takes a worried man...