The River

Down by the river That's where I broke down and cried Down by the river That's where I lay down and died Going down to the river For as long as I can stand Mama told me "Son," As she took a hold of my hand "Water runs so deep Deep as all my pain," Down by the river, honey Lord, can I be saved? I said down by the river That's where I broke down and cried I said down by the river That's where I broke down and cried I said down by the river Heartaches soaked in wine I'm just lookin' for redemption For that wanderin' soul of mine Pull me to my knees As I drown in the pouring rain Down by the river, honey I still see your face Sometimes around midnight They'd come knocking at my door I said sometimes around midnight Hell hounds found what they're looking for Well those flashing lights told me Didn't have to say a word Someone took my baby Someone took away my world All they found was a letter I should never have let her go The river's the only witness The only one who knows And the wind whispers her name And all the lonesome years Water turns to whiskey I drown in my own tears Down by the river I see my life in flames Down by the river honey I call out your name I call out your name I call out your name