Version arranged for rhythm guitar:

except one or two, who never drink booze, and the blind man on the corner who sings the Beale Street blues.

You'll meet honest men, and pick-pockets skilled. You'll find that business never closes 'til somebody

gets killed.

I’d rather be here, than any place I know,

it’s gonna take the sergeant for to make me go.

I’m going to the river babe, and there is a reason why,

because the river’s wet, and Beale Street’s done gone dry.

except one or two, who never drink booze, and the blind man on the corner who sings the Beale Street blues.

I’d rather be here (be right here), than any place I know (than any place I know),

it’s gonna take the sergeant for to make me go.

Yes, I’m going to the river (by and by), and there is a reason why (there is a reason why),

because the river’s wet, and Beale Street’s done gone dry.