[Muz] The River - Noel Gourdin

 

 

The River

Noel Gourdin

 

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

Every day 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…

 

 

First chorus:
I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new (laid down my burdens…)
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 thru
How the river runs to the ocean
I’ll be running 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?
‘Cause I been longin’ 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

 

 

Second chorus:
I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new (Hallelujah!)
Found out about love in the back of my Impala
(Back seat of my ‘64 baby)
Where they laid my grandfather, too

Down by the river
Where black folks gather after Sunday service is thru
How the river runs to the ocean
I’ll be running right back to you

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

And I’ll still be right there…(Female voice)

Thank you, baby
‘Cause nothin’ can replace that part of my life

And oh…

 

 

Third chorus:
I held my breath when they dipped my head
Then I came up shiny and new (I came out a new man…)
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 thru
How the river runs to the ocean
I’ll be running right back to you