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