Gonna pick up some of them empties here Just as soon as we know where they lay Tied off of them jolly and leavin' minds On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois river I get a half a day off with pay All day long I'm makin' up barges On a long hot summer day Well I got me a gal in Pea-kin She's a good ol' gal Okay I bet she's sitting a winder fan On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois river Get a half a day off with pay All day long I'm makin' up barges On a long hot summer day Last night we had pork for supper Today It'll be chicken consume' And a fruit jar full of iced tea On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois river Get a half a day off with pay All day long I'm makin' up barges On a long hot summer day Well we put a man off in Beardstown When we come down yesterday I'm gonna off down at Alton On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois River Get a half a day off with pay All day long I'm makin' them barges On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois River Get a half a day off with pay All day long I'm makin' them barges On a long hot summer day