O', Tommy was fine one. He lived wild and free.
His life was a conversation , his schemes a melody.
He came from Osage county, north of the Cherokee
Wandered down to Tulsa town, Strayed to the rivers knee.
Now Tommy, could not swim
For the river, he was afraid
Now Tommy, he would cross over
For Tommy knew, this river he could wade
Seven steps taken, Tommy was over his head.
Currents closing over, He felt panic and dread
Not one to give up, he fought on for his life
Fighting the losing battle, no matter what the price
Now Tommy, could not win
With the river, mightier than him
But Tommy, he knew the answer
And called out to his maker and his friend
What happened to Tommy, different stories are told.
A wee lass saw him struggling, against the river's hold
Only one look at him, she saw him going down
With only a moments frustration, she dove into the cold
Now Tommy, saw an Angel
In the darkest, of the deep
He felt arms, close around him
She took him, from the river's keep
On he rivers shoulder, her words stung his ears
"What do mean by drowning", the river to test my fears
That water took you under, its where all men have to go
If I hadn't been here fishing, no one would ever know"
Now Tommy, enjoyed her fire
And the breathe, he now drew
Now Tommy, put on a smile
"You know that I crossed over, just to be with you."