I was standin' by the bedside of a sister
  Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
  And I asked her if she would do me a favor
  And kindly take this message to the other side
  
  Well, if you see my savior tell him that you saw me
  And when you saw me I was on my way
  You may meet some boyfriends who may ask about me
  You tell 'em I am a comin' home someday
  
  I was standin' by the bedside of a sister
  Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
  And I asked her if she would do me a favor
  And kindly take this message to the other side
  
  Well you may have to make this journey on without me
  Sooner or later, sooner or later it's a debt that must be paid
  When you reach that goal that's when you'll think about me
  But don't forget to tell my savior what I said
  
  I was standin' by the bedside of a sister
  Who was just about to cross that swellin' tide
  And I asked her if she would do me a favor
  And kindly take this message to the other side