The River

Growin' up, it was tough We were glad for what little we had I saw my share of old fair, Mississippi Dirt roads and Confederate flags Everyday my father would tell me "Son, run and don't never come back" That's where I left my girl That's where my heart is at, and oh... I held my breath when they dipped my head Then I came up shiny and new Found out about love in the back of my Impala Where they laid my grandfather too Down by the river Where black folks gather After Sunday service is through How the river runs to the ocean I'll be runnin' right back to you I got along, I'm movin' on I bandaged the scars of, well I think of her, then I seem to wait For a card or a letter in the mail I walk the beach with the sand in my feet Place my ear to a shell I wonder if you miss me too Cause I been longin' to get to you I'm sick of starin' out my window sill I'm tired of hopin' she remembers me still I'm packin' my bags, I said I'm goin' back home To the place where I belong The river And if she's there when I get there I'm never gonna leave her again You see, she stole my heart Down by the river I held my breath when they dipped my head Then I came up shiny and new Found out about love in the back of my Impala Where they laid my grandfather too Down by the river Where black folks gather After Sunday service is through How the river runs to the ocean I'll be runnin' right back to you So I'm packin' up my suitcase Bought me a one-way fare I'm leavin' everything behind me But in my heart I always care And I'll still be right there Thank you baby Cause nothin' can replace that part in my life, and... I held my breath when they dipped my head Then I came up shiny and new Found out about love in the back of my Impala Where they laid my grandfather too Down by the river Where black folks gather After Sunday service is through How the river runs to the ocean I'll be runnin' right back to you