Gonna pick up some of these empties here Just as soon as we know where they lay Tied off of them jolly and leaving lines On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois River Get a half a day off with pay Old tow boat pickin' up barges On a long hot summer day Well I got me a gal in Pekin She's a good ol' gal okay I bet she's sitting by 'er window fan On a long hot summer day For every day I work on the Illinois River Get a half a day off with pay Old tow boat pickin' up barges On a long hot summer day Last night we had pork for supper Today it'll be chicken consomme 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 Old tow boat pickin' up barges On a long hot summer day Well we put a man off in Beardstown When we come down yesterday I'm gonna get 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 Old tow boat pickin' up barges On a long hot summer day