I drifted into Arkansas in the middle of September
I hadn't planned to stay for long just to visit an old friend that I remembered
Quite surprised he asked if I could stay till late October
And help him with his crops till harvest time was over

He offered me a clean white bed said that I was welcome at his table
But I told him that I'd eat outside bed down in the barn above the stables
I told him that I didn't want to be no trouble to his lovely wife
But he didn't know she was the reason that I'd come 'cause I loved her more than life

Oh Melinda, I just had to see you one more time, Melinda
I won't cause you any trouble with my stay
Oh Melinda, I just had to see you one more time, Melinda
One more time, Melinda, then I'll go away

Melinda, it's so good to see you happy I had always hoped you would be
I know you couldn't help it that you loved him more than you love me
I know he's a good man and he's always been a friend of mine
And I think the world of both of you and I just had to see you one more time

Oh Melinda, I just had to see you one more time, Melinda
I won't cause you any trouble with my stay
Oh Melinda, I just had to see you one more time, Melinda
One more time, Melinda, then I'll go away
One more time, Melinda, then I'll go away