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