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