Patches (Dickey Lee song)

"Patches" is a song written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber and performed by Dickey Lee. The song was produced by Bill Hall and Jack Clement. It was featured on his 1962 album "The Tale of Patches".
Background.
The song tells the story of teenage lovers of different social classes whose parents forbid their love. The girl drowns herself in the "dirty old river." The singer concludes: "It may not be right, but I'll join you tonight/ Patches I'm coming to you." Because of the teen suicide theme, the song was banned by a number of radio stations. However, it sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.
Chart performance.
It reached #6 on the U.S. pop chart and #10 on the U.S. R&B chart in 1962. The song ranked #74 on "Billboard" magazine's Top 100 singles of 1962.