The River - New Album Version

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 ohh
 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 up well
 I think of her, then I sit and I wait
 For a card or a letter in the mail
 I walk the beach with the sand in my feet
 Place my ear up to a shell
 I wonder if you miss me too
 Cuz 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
 Cuz nothin' 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 runnin' right back to you