Growing 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 running right back to you
I got along I’m moving on
I bandaged the scars up 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
Cuz I been longing to get to you
I’m sick of staring out my window sill
I’m tired of hoping she remembers me still
I’m packing my bags I said I’m going 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

So I’m packing up my suitcase
Bought me a one-way fare
I’m leaving everything behind me
But in my heart I always care
And I’ll still be right there

Thank you baby
Cuz nothing can replace that part in my life and whoa

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 running right back to you