The River [1990]

Written by: 
J. Martyn
28 Feb 1988

Down on the river,
Down on the river on the fourth of July;
I'm down on the river,
Down and I know that the river's running high.

I look to the water to make my own money,
I look to the water to make my name;
I look to the water to make my money,
I look to the water as the price of fame.

I worked on this river;
I worked on the river every day of my life.
As I worked on this river,
I worked on the river 'till I found my wife.

I worked twice as hard to make twice the money,
I worked twice as hard to make my way;
I worked twice as hard to make my own money,
Until somebody took my wife away.

Oh darling, it sometimes feels so lonely here.
Sometimes I think I go down to the river,
Let the water run away with every tear.
I know this river never gives a damn for me;
The river cares for nothing,
Rolling away to the bright blue sea.

I have been years on my river,
Years and water running high, running low;
I've been years - on my river,
Years and I still got nothing to show.

I know this river, its every movement,
I know this river, every port, every pocket;
I know this river is going to take my love away,
I know this river is trying to break my heart.

Oh darling, it sometimes gets so lonely here.
Someday I think I go down to the river,
Let the water wash away most every tear.

Down on the river,
Down on the river on the fourth of July;
I'm down on the river,
Down one day when the river runs high.

I'm going to cry for my river.
Die on the day that this river of mine runs dry..
Die on the day this old river runs dry.
I'm dying on the day this river inside of me dies.
The river inside runs dry...

sitenote:
Song not to be confused with The River from The Tumbler.

First release: