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