~ Patches ~ Down by the river that flows by the coal yards, Stands wooden houses with shutters torn down. There lives a girl everybody calls Patches; Patches my darling from Old Shanty Town. We planned to marry when June brought the summer. I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride. Now I don't see how that ever can happen. My folks say 'no' and my heart breaks inside. Patches, oh what can I do? I swear I'll always love you. But a girl from that place would just bring me disgrace, So my folks won't let me love you. Each night I cry as I think of that shanty, And pretty Patches there watching the door. She doesn't know that I can't come to see her. Patches must think that I love her no more. I hear a neighbor telling my father, He said a girl name of Patches was found Floating face down in that dirty old river That flows by the coal yards in Old Shanty Town. Patches, oh what can I do? I swear I'll always love you. It may not be right, but I'll join you tonight. Patches I'm coming to you. Sung by Dickey Lee

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This song still brings tears to my eyes. Hopefully, situations like this won't happen often. Wonderful people have came from such areas as Old Shanty Town.

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