This nine pound banjo is too heavy for my size 
This nine pound banjo is too heavy for my size 
It’s no good to tell my baby he’ll never ever sympathize 

I carried this old banjo from Glasgow to Tupelo 
I carried this old banjo from Chicago to New Mexico 
While I was away my baby left for the Gulf of Mexico 

There ain't one banjo in this town has a ring like mine 
There ain't one banjo in this town has a ring like mine 
I only wish it weighed two pounds instead of nine 

I’ll make my way to heaven when God tells me I can go 
I’ll make my way to heaven when God tells me I can go 
And I’ll let the angels carry this nine pound banjo 

(music and lyrics by Mary James)