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